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

by James Conner, Tiffany Yecke Brooks (Contribution by), David Sadzin (Read by)

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 shares how his choice to not fear the unknown made all the difference in his extraordinary journey.

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. Conner’s warm, intimate, and inspiring story offers wisdom and advice for anyone who has faced adversity or the loss their dreams—and everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781094161129
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	06/16/2020
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 5.70(h) x (d)

About the Author

James Conner attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he broke Tony Dorsett’s record for most rushing yards in a bowl game with 229 yards in his freshman year. As a sophomore, he set an ACC record with 26 rushing touchdowns in one season, and was named the ACC Player of the Year. He began his NFL career as a running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, and in 2018, was selected to play in the NFL Pro Bowl. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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.

When he was seven, David Sadzin's first grade teacher gave him a paragraph to read out loud. She interrupted him halfway to proclaim him "The Ringmaster" in his class's musical extravaganza about the circus. He's been using his voice to get out of trouble ever since. After a few intense years on New York's stages, performing traditional and experimental theater, improv, and sketch comedy, he's now settled comfortably in front of the mic in his home studio in Brooklyn.