The Buffalo Bills knocked off the Arizona Cardinals in a thrilling season-opener Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., but for Pitt fans, the end of the game likely provided more emotion.
Damar Hamlin and James Conner only spent one season together during their time at Pitt, the 2016 season, but the former Panthers met up following the Bills’ win and exchanged jerseys — and kind words for each other.
Conner led the Cardinals with 16 carries, racking up 50 yards and a touchdown. And he added three receptions for 33 yards. It was a strong debut for one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL.
Hamlin made his first start since suffering a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January of 2023. And he racked up four tackles (two solo).
Hamlin only played in three games during the 2016 season, recording eight tackles (four solo) as a true freshman. Conner, on the other hand, made his triumphant return to football in the 2016 season — returning to the field after beating cancer.
Conner carried the ball 216 times for 1,092 yards and 16 touchdowns — adding 21 receptions for 302 yards and four more touchdowns.
Hamlin and Conner are Pitt legends, two former Panthers who will be talked about for years to come. And it speaks to their prowess on the football field, and off the field as people, that they met up following the game to trade jerseys. It would be hard to find two better representative of the program than Hamlin and Conner.
Hamlin and Conner are just a couple of former Pitt stars to play in the NFL this season. And their jersey exchange certainly won’t be the last.
