Every year the Pro Football Writers of America give the George Halas Award to the NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. This year, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a pair of nominees in running back James Conner and linebacker Ryan Shazier.
Shazier’s nomination stems from his miraculous recovery from a back injury he suffered during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in December of 2017. Shazier might not be back on the field yet but it seems every month he shares a video of his continued strides toward recovery that gives us all hope.
Conner took over the starting running back job for the Steelers in 2018. This brings full circle his recovery from Hodgkin’s lymphoma from his time at the University of Pittsburgh. Conner led the team in rushing and made the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season.
The winner of the award will be announced on June 3.
