I confess to morbid thoughts. I immediately thought of Nile Kinnick.
James wears the same number.
Of Eric Liddell, upon whose death all of Scotland mourned.
Of Mario Lemieux
Especially I thought of Michel Briere.
"What would the Pittsburgh "Penguins" have been had Briere lived?" is a question hockey followers
have asked since 1970.
Tonight, from all of college football, and in sports generally, come well-wishes for a young man who is recognized as possessing an unusual combination of talent, character, and now, twice in one season, of tragedy. The example I should have in mind is that of Lemieux for he beat the same illness, and James' chances are 85%-90%. But I don't think of Lemieux, I think of the others who did not live, and especially of Briere, the pain of whose death is still remembered in Pittsburgh.
Tonight, from all of college football, and in sports generally, come well-wishes for a young man who is recognized as possessing an unusual combination of talent, character, and now, twice in one season, of tragedy. The example I should have in mind is that of Lemieux for he beat the same illness, and James' chances are 85%-90%. But I don't think of Lemieux, I think of the others who did not live, and especially of Briere, the pain of whose death is still remembered in Pittsburgh.
The tributes:
.@JamesConner_ Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. It's clear you have the strength to beat this diagnosis.
Chris Fowler
Inspiring: positive energy of Pitt stud @JamesConner_ as he begins cancer battle, urging all patients to draw strength from each other.
Coach Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Coach Larry Fedora of North Carolina.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8z4xAPTfNLI
Mario Lemieux–
Best wishes to #Pitt RB James Conner in his fight against Hodgkin’s – stay strong!
Damion Terry– @DamionTerry
Everyone make sure they pray for my brother @JamesConner_ 😔 if anyone is strong to get through this its you no doubt. #PrayersForJC24
10:40 AM - 4 Dec 2015
Coach Mike Sanford @CoachSanfordND
Prayers for one of the great players in the game, Pitt’s James Conner. Cannot wait to see him dominate this and be back out on that field.
.@JamesConner_ Our @PennStateFball family is thinking of you & in your corner. Stay strong.James Franklin–
.
Josh Gattis–
@Coach_Gattis
Praying 4 @JamesConner_ U have shown half your strength on the field but with god you can show your full strength in your battle u will win!
11:37 AM - 4 Dec 2015
20 RETWEETS67 LIKES
Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates 
Pittsburgh Pirates–
Sending our prayers and support to@GoPittFootball 's @JamesConner_. #BurghStrong #BeatCancer
My favorite is from a fan message board of one of Pitt's biggest rivals, West Virginia University;
Cancer should probably be terrified of having to take on James Conner.
