The chants rained down from all over Heinz Field on Sunday every time he touched the ball.
Conner. Conner. Conner. Conner.
Again and again, Steelers fans chanted James Conner's name, paying homage to the second-year running back who was putting on a clinic on the field.
"It was really special," said Conner. "I had to listen to it a couple of times to make sure I was hearing it right, they were saying my name. I will never forget that. That was really special for me."
And that clinic, that performance, didn't go unnoticed.
Conner was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in a 33-18 win over the Cleveland Browns.
"It's special, it's still not the ultimate goal," said Conner. "The ultimate goal is to be playing football in February. But for this week it's a credit to the big guys up front."
Conner carried the ball 24 times for 146 yards, a 6.1-yard average and two touchdowns. Conner added five receptions for 66 yards, for a total of 212 yards from scrimmage.
"I'm just doing what I love to do," said Conner. "Just trying to be in the right spots for Ben (Roethlisberger) with the check-downs in the passing game, and just trying to put the ball in the right spots in the right game."
Conner also worked his way into the Steelers record books, becoming the first player in team history to rush for at least 100 yards and two touchdowns in three straight games.
"He did a lot of good things, running the ball and catching the ball for us," said Maurkice Pouncey. "He just looks good all the way around and runs the ball hard. He takes it very seriously and his preparation is very good. I can't say enough about him."
This is the first time in his career that Conner won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
