Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner wins FedEx "Ground Player of the Week"

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner on Wednesday was named the FedEx “Ground Player of the Week” after rushing 25 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 24-10 victory at Pittsburgh.

It’s the third such honor in his career, but the first time he’s won it as a member of the Cardinals.

Sunday’s game was a homecoming for Conner who was raised in Erie, Pennsylvaina, attended the University of Pittsburgh and spent his first four NFL seasons with the Steelers. It marked the second time this season he has rushed for more than 100 yards and just the second time he had at least 25 carries with the Cardinals overall.

Conner is the first Cardinals running back to win “Ground Player of the Week” since Kenyan Drake in Week 15 of the 2019 season. By winning the award, FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in Conner’s name to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), which will be applied towards need-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.

Conner, who is averaging 4.9 yards per run (631 yards on 129 carries), also was named this week’s “Angry Runs” winner by NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” for his hard run against Pittsburgh when he stiff-armed and shoved Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson off his feet.

Conner and the Cardinals (3-10) are off this week and next meet the visiting 49ers (9-3) a week from Sunday at State Farm Stadium.