PHX Reporter

James Conner, the running back for the Arizona Cardinals, is set to play his 100th NFL game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Reflecting on this milestone, Conner shared his approach: "I'm going to do me," he stated.

Conner's journey to this point has been marked by significant challenges. Before his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later the Cardinals, he faced a battle with cancer during his college years at the University of Pittsburgh. Despite such obstacles, reaching 100 games seemed attainable to him even then. "I always tried to think of the best possible outcome," Conner said. He added that during his diagnosis, he thought, "'It'll be a great story to tell.' That's what I tried to live by."

Last season, Conner achieved his first 1,000-yard rushing season and aims to replicate that success this year if he remains healthy. His performance continues to earn praise from teammates and coaches alike. In Sunday's game, which will be his 50th with the Cardinals, Conner could score his 34th rushing touchdown for the team. This would place him third in franchise history for rushing touchdowns.

As he approaches free agency after this season, Conner believes he's playing at his peak. "I think it's best I've felt," he remarked about his current form. He credited running backs coach Autry Denson for helping him maintain longevity in his career.

Conner acknowledged that much of his career has involved learning how best to care for himself physically: "A lot of my career has been trial and error... But as the years go on, I'm figuring out my routines."