Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination

by James Conner, Tiffany Yecke Brooks

Overview

From fighting for his life to pursuing a career in the NFL, ACC Player of the Year and star Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has lived a story offering wisdom and advice for anyone who has faced adversity.

During his first two years at the University of Pittsburgh, running back James Conner became one of the Panthers’ biggest stars, breaking records and winning the adoration of fans. Then, in the first game of his junior year, disaster struck in the form of a torn MCL. During rehab, James’s health continued to inexplicably deteriorate until a chest X-ray and biopsy confirmed the unthinkable: a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the dream of an NFL career that was in jeopardy; it was James’s life. Yet when he shared the news of his diagnosis publicly, James rallied family, friends, and fans, with his message of hope and courage: “Fear is a choice. I choose not to fear cancer.” In just ten words, James defined his own journey on his own terms and refused to back down from one of the most dreaded diseases known to man.

Drawing strength from his faith in God and the support of his community and loved ones, James underwent treatment but continued to practice with his team despite the intense physical toll of chemotherapy. He was declared cancer-free within a year. Returning to the field in 2016, he finished his college career with a record-breaking 3,733 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. Entering the NFL draft early, his success continued. Selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he quickly became one of the most beloved rookies in the league.

In Fear is a Choice, James candidly shares his experiences during his battle with cancer and beyond, encouraging readers and illustrating the spiritual truths and personal principles that got him through his darkest days. James Conner is an inspiration for everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062938435
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/16/2020
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	659,158
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

James Conner is a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. In his freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh, James broke Tony Dorsett’s school record for most rushing yards in a bowl game with 229 yards. The following year, James set an ACC record with 26 rushing touchdowns in one season and was named the ACC Player of the Year. He made a triumphant return his senior year, propelling him into the NFL, where he was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2018 season.

Tiffany Yecke Brooks has worked as a lead or contributing writer for nearly two dozen books. She holds a PhD in Literature from Florida State University and teaches writing and publishing courses for several universities.

Table of Contents

Author's Note: Keep Going ix

Introduction xiii

Chapter 1 Perspective Is Power 1

Chapter 2 Be Willing to Be Humbled 25

Chapter 3 Trust the Plan 47

Chapter 4 Lead from Where You Are 57

Chapter 5 Fear Is a Choice 71

Chapter 6 The Mental Game 87

Chapter 7 Recognize Your Team 101

Chapter 8 Show Up 117

Chapter 9 Encouragement Matters 131

Chapter 10 You Are Not Your Obstacle 153

Chapter 11 Embrace Your Story 169

Chapter 12 Play for Those Who Can't 183

Acknowledgments 199

Editorial Reviews

Life is full of choices and decisions, and it’s clear in Fear Is a Choice that James chose not to be a victim of his circumstances. His vulnerability makes this book so relatable. James decided during one of the toughest battles in his life to be an inspiration for everyone who will follow. Fear Is a Choice is more than a great book—it’s a mentality.”  — Akbar Gbajabiamila, host of American Ninja Warrior

"Fear Is a Choice will inspire every reader to become better through invaluable lifelong lessons and powerful perspective. James teaches us that if we harness fear and meet life's challenges with faith, determination, and hard work there is nothing we can't accomplish." ­ — Kyle Carpenter, USMC Medal of Honor recipient and national bestselling author of You Are Worth It

"You don’t have to be a football fan to be inspired by James Conner. On the field, James has never backed down from an opponent. He scored the biggest victory of his life—beating cancer—with that same courage and resolve. Like one of James’s powerful touchdown runs, this very personal story will make you want to stand and cheer." — Pat Narduzzi, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team

"When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from." — Brittany Wagner, star of Last Chance U

From the Publisher

"You don’t have to be a football fan to be inspired by James Conner. On the field, James has never backed down from an opponent. He scored the biggest victory of his life—beating cancer—with that same courage and resolve. Like one of James’s powerful touchdown runs, this very personal story will make you want to stand and cheer."

Pat Narduzzi

"Fear Is a Choice will inspire every reader to become better through invaluable lifelong lessons and powerful perspective. James teaches us that if we harness fear and meet life's challenges with faith, determination, and hard work there is nothing we can't accomplish." ­

Kyle Carpenter

Life is full of choices and decisions, and it’s clear in Fear Is a Choice that James chose not to be a victim of his circumstances. His vulnerability makes this book so relatable. James decided during one of the toughest battles in his life to be an inspiration for everyone who will follow. Fear Is a Choice is more than a great book—it’s a mentality.” 

Akbar Gbajabiamila

"When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from."

Brittany Wagner

"When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from." %COMM_CONTRIB%Brittany Wagner

06/01/2020

In his second season in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner put himself in the national spotlight with his powerful running style and ability to find the end zone. His debut shares every step of the journey that led Conner to the National Football League. He also describes living with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which became a national story while he was still in college at the University of Pittsburgh, being named the 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the year. Expectations were high for Conner heading into the 2015 season, but he tore his MCL during the first game of the season, which led him to sit out the rest of the year. A few months later he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and decided to become an advocate for the disease. This fast-paced book is accessible to both teen and adult readers. Even those who are already familiar with Conner's story will learn more about the details of his life, and the people who helped him along the way. VERDICT This memoir will find a home among not just sports fans, but those who enjoy motivational memoirs.—Pamela Calfo, Bridgeville P.L., PA

Library Journal

James Conner is the star running back at the University of Pittsburgh and is on top of the college sports world. By his junior year, he tears a tendon and from routine blood work performed, he is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Narrator David Sadzin’s performance makes it clear that cancer is not in the driver’s seat. His voice and delivery reflect the strength Conner uses to keep moving forward, even though no one expects that of him. Because of his faith and determination, he goes to every practice and every game. He believes in his motto and trusts that God will give him the strength to defeat fear and his disease. Sadzin’s heartwarming presentation documents his incredible journey to the NFL. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

JULY 2020 - AudioFile

James Conner is the star running back at the University of Pittsburgh and is on top of the college sports world. By his junior year, he tears a tendon and from routine blood work performed, he is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Narrator David Sadzin’s performance makes it clear that cancer is not in the driver’s seat. His voice and delivery reflect the strength Conner uses to keep moving forward, even though no one expects that of him. Because of his faith and determination, he goes to every practice and every game. He believes in his motto and trusts that God will give him the strength to defeat fear and his disease. Sadzin’s heartwarming presentation documents his incredible journey to the NFL. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

JULY 2020 - AudioFile