James Conner Siblings: A Look at the NFL Player’s Family Tree

James Earl Conner, born on May 5, 1995, in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a professional American football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his powerful running style and inspiring personal story, Conner rose to prominence during his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he broke records and earned national recognition. His journey from a small-town athlete to an NFL star is marked by resilience, particularly after overcoming a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 2015. Conner’s determination, shaped by his family and upbringing, has made him a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance both on and off the field.

Siblings

James grew up as the youngest of five brothers in a tight-knit family that played a significant role in shaping his competitive spirit. His three biological brothers—Glen, Richard, and Michael—and one stepbrother, Rico Santiago, created a lively and physically demanding household. Glen, Richard, and Michael are all notably large in stature, standing between 6’2” and 6’4” and weighing over 220 pounds, with Richard tipping the scales at around 275-280 pounds. Rico, from their mother’s second marriage, is the only sibling under six feet.

Growing up, the Conner brothers engaged in relentless physical challenges, from wrestling matches to impromptu football drills on a basketball court behind their house. These interactions, often rough and tumble, forged James’s toughness. A memorable anecdote involves his brothers daring a young James to climb into a clothes dryer, which they briefly turned on, an experience that underscores the playful yet intense sibling dynamic. Glen Conner Jr., the eldest, followed in James’s footsteps by playing football as a defensive lineman for the Erie Express in the Gridiron Developmental Football League.

Career

Conner’s football career began at McDowell High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he excelled as a running back and defensive lineman, rushing for 1,680 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior year. Committing to the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, Conner made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2013, earning the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl MVP award after rushing for 229 yards, breaking Tony Dorsett’s school record for a bowl game. His sophomore year in 2014 was a breakout season, with 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and earning him the ACC Player of the Year title. In 2015, Conner faced a major setback when he tore his MCL and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

After undergoing 12 chemotherapy treatments, he was declared cancer-free in May 2016 and returned to the field, rushing for 1,092 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final college season. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft (105th overall), Conner initially served as a backup to Le’Veon Bell. In 2018, he became the starting running back, earning a Pro Bowl selection after amassing 1,470 total yards and 13 touchdowns. Joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, Conner continued to shine, tying for second in the NFL with 18 touchdowns in his first season and earning another Pro Bowl nod in 2023. His career stats through 2024 include over 3,700 rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns, reflecting his consistent impact despite injury challenges.

Accolades

Conner’s career is decorated with numerous honors that highlight his athletic prowess and personal courage. In 2014, he was named the ACC Player of the Year and earned AFCA First-Team All-American honors after leading the ACC with 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He set an ACC record for total touchdowns (56) during his college career, cementing his legacy as the conference’s all-time touchdown leader. In 2013, he was awarded the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl MVP for his record-breaking performance.

Following his cancer battle, Conner received the 2016 Disney Sports Spirit Award, the Brian Piccolo Award, and the FWAA Courage Award, recognizing him as college football’s most inspirational figure. He was also a two-time Maxwell Award National Player of the Week and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his community service. In the NFL, Conner’s Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2023 underscore his elite performance. His establishment of the James Conner Conqueror Foundation, which supports cancer research and patients, further reflects his off-field impact, earning him the 2016 James Conner Courage Award, named in his honor by the Stan Marks Research Fund.