Kick off your discovery of everything you ever wanted to know about James Conner, the Arizona Cardinals’ powerhouse running back.
In this article, you will learn James Conner’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, key stats, relationship, and more.
James Conner’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Earl Conner |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1995 |
| Age | 30 |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85m) |
| Weight | 233 lbs (106kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 (NFL Draft, 105th pick) |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Salary | $3.64 million (plus bonuses) |
| Contract Value | $19 million/2 years (2024–2026) |
| Wife | Sarah Quinn |
| Instagram Profile | @jamesconner_ |
| Twitter Profile | @JamesConner_ |
Early Career
James Conner began his football career at McDowell High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, where his speed and power quickly made him a standout. He continued his rise at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became one of the country’s most exciting running backs.
Conner’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2015 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during college. With grit and determination, he beat cancer and returned to star for the Pitt Panthers.
His comeback showed his resolve, and he proved his football dreams wouldn’t be stopped by anything.
Professional Career
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted James Conner in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Conner became the Steelers’ lead running back after Le’Veon Bell’s departure, producing a breakout year in 2018 with 1,470 total yards and 13 touchdowns.
After several productive seasons in Pittsburgh, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. As a Cardinal, Conner established himself as a reliable touchdown machine, beloved by fans for his hard-nosed running style and leadership.
He continued to excel, earning a new multi-year deal and helping the Cardinals stay competitive through the 2025 season.
Wife
James Conner’s wife, Sarah Quinn, is a significant figure in his life. Sarah supported him through his battle with cancer at Pitt and stood by him throughout his NFL career. She is a registered nurse specializing in trauma and burn care.
Their relationship, which began in college, grew stronger through shared challenges and triumphs. As of 2025, the couple does not have any children.
James Conner’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, James Conner’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. His wealth comes mainly from NFL contracts, salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals.
Contract
Conner signed a two-year, $19 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, keeping him on the roster through the 2026 season.
The deal included a $6.75 million signing bonus, $8.25 million fully guaranteed, and annual average value of $9.5 million. The structure includes a base salary, workout bonuses, and per-game roster bonuses.
Salary
For the 2025 NFL season, Conner will earn a base salary of $3.64 million. Potential performance and roster bonuses could push his total cash to over $4.25 million for the year. His salary makes him one of the top-earning running backs in the NFL for this period.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $451,235 | $706,288 | $1,157,523 |
| 2018 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $578,000 | $0 | $578,000 |
| 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $668,000 | $0 | $668,000 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $825,000 | $0 | $825,000 |
| 2021 | Arizona Cardinals | $1,250,000 | $500,000 | $1,750,000 |
| 2022 | Arizona Cardinals | $1,750,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,945,000 |
| 2023 | Arizona Cardinals | $6,250,000 | $0 | $8,497,635 |
| 2024 | Arizona Cardinals | $4,235,000 | $0 | $5,997,560 |
| 2025 | Arizona Cardinals | $3,640,000 | $0 | $4,150,000 |
| Total | $34,000,000+ |
Endorsements
James Conner’s inspiring story of overcoming cancer and NFL stardom has made him a favorite for brands. He has signed endorsement deals with major companies like Adidas and collaborates with several charities, including the Phoenix Children’s Foundation and GiveBloodToGiveTime. His image as a resilient survivor and community leader enhances his marketability.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 14 | 144 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 13 | 973 | 12 | 55 | 497 | 1 |
| 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 10 | 464 | 4 | 34 | 251 | 3 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 13 | 721 | 6 | 35 | 215 | 0 |
| 2021 | Arizona Cardinals | 15 | 752 | 15 | 37 | 375 | 3 |
| 2022 | Arizona Cardinals | 13 | 782 | 7 | 46 | 300 | 1 |
| 2023 | Arizona Cardinals | 13 | 1,040 | 7 | 27 | 203 | 2 |
| 2024 | Arizona Cardinals | 15 | 888 | 9 | 29 | 194 | 1 |
| Total | – | 106 | 5,764 | 62 | 263 | 2,035 | 11 |
FAQs
1. What teams has James Conner played for in his NFL career?
He started his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted and now plays as a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. His performance has remained strong even after switching teams.
2. What major health challenge did James Conner overcome before his NFL success?
Conner fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his time in college. He announced his diagnosis in December 2015 and declared himself cancer-free five months later. This journey inspired many people and showed his strength and resilience.
3. How did Conner perform in college football?
He played for the University of Pittsburgh, rushing for 3,733 yards and scoring 52 touchdowns over 39 games. He received first-team All-American honors and won the ACC Player of the Year award, making him one of the best college running backs of his era.
4. Has Conner dealt with injuries during his NFL career?
He has faced several injuries, including knee, rib, shoulder, and ankle issues. These setbacks led him to miss multiple games every season, but he consistently returned and contributed strong performances for his teams.
5. Who is James Conner’s wife?
Conner married Sarah Conner. Sarah is a former track and field athlete who competed at the University of Kentucky and now works as a registered nurse. Their partnership has provided steady support through his football career.
