College football player has a stellar game after returning from beating cancer

Pitt running back James Conner scored two touchdowns to help his team beat Villanova on Saturday.

But that win was nothing compared to the victory he claimed during the offseason.

Conner was declared cancer-free in May after being diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in November. Doctors found tumors on Conner's neck and chest during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Now, just nine months after his diagnosis, he's back on the football field – and better than ever.

READ MORE: Parents of an Ohio State running back received the call of a lifetime

After his standout performance, the running back received encouraging words from some notable names in the football world.

Conner finished the game with 17 rushing attempts for 53 yards and three receptions for 16 yards. He scored two touchdowns in the Panthers' 28-7 win.

Follow AOL Sports on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

More from AOL.com:
Florida State football player shows incredible gesture to autistic kid sitting alone at lunch
Colin Kaepernick plans to donate 100% of his top-selling jersey profits
Young boy with autism shares a touching moment with Colts players