James Conner's Latest Comments Will Make Steelers Fans Regret Talking Trash on Him

All offseason, Steelers Nation has been riddled with questions about James Conner after a disappointing and injury-riddled season. Now, Conner is looking to have a bounce back season in Pittsburgh and become a fan favorite once again ahead of his impending free agency.

The University of Pittsburgh product started this campaign on the right foot by saying all of the right things on a podcast with ESPN's Adam Shefter this week. Regarding his potential departure, the former Pro Bowler said, "It would be hard for me to put on another helmet."

Conner recounted that he's a hometown kid and has been playing football in Pennsylvania his whole life. With this mindset, it is easy to see that Conner will be working as hard as possible in a contract year to once again become the feature back, so he can stay in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career. After all, though running backs are quite fungible, winning for this city simply means more to Conner. The Pitt Panthers helped rehab him during his cancer battle. The 'Burgh gave him his first NFL chance. If at all possible, he'd love to stay.

Factors related to the heartstrings aren't the only things going in Conner's favor. The team's franchise quarterback Ben Rothlisberger is returning after missing all of last season. With Big Ben in the lineup, Conner rushed for 12 touchdowns and almost 1,000 yards.

Hopefully, Conner's relatable words to fans and the return of Rothlisberger will make for a recipe of success, so he can return to being a fan favorite in the Steel City.