(Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
It was announced this morning that former Steelers running back James Conner is heading to the desert, as he agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Arizona.
Conner is looking forward to a fresh start with the Cardinals after being plagued by injuries during his four-year tenure with the Steelers.
“I feel brand new,” Conner said Tuesday to the Arizona media via Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. “I’m excited for this opportunity. It’s definitely a change in scenery. I had been in Pittsburgh for 8 years. I was learning so many lessons. That time in Pittsburgh was prepping for where I’m at right now. I’m excited to be in this red. I’m truly excited. It’s a blessing.”
Along with being with the Steelers the last four years, Conner is an Erie native and played at Pitt, so this will be the first time that he's played for a team outside of Pennsylvania. Conner said he's looking forward to seeing another part of the country.
"Pittsburgh, my time there was great,” Conner said. “Through the University, the Steelers, now I get to come out here. This is my vibe. I love the sun. The opportunity to come out here and live in AZ. Football comes first and to learn from these veterans. I’m looking forward to it all.
“I’m looking forward to the change, not a desire to leave. I feel like this is an opportunity for me to grow, to meet new people, to see this side of the world.”
The Cardinals were looking to add a running back after last year’s leading rusher Kenyan Drake signed with Las Vegas in free agency. Conner will compete with Chase Edmunds for the No. 1 running back role in Arizona.
Conner is just glad to sign on with a team after almost a month has passed since free agency started. He feels like he has a new home in the Valley of the Sun.
“I’ve got a home. I feel accepted. They believe in me,” Conner said.
Conner also posted on Twitter this afternoon that he feels brand new and blessed, along with tweeting that he's grateful for the eight years that he spent in Pittsburgh. Four years at Pitt and four years with the Steelers.