Watch: Pitt's James Conner surprised by Eric Berry on 'Ellen'

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December, Pitt running back James Conner didn't have to look far for inspiration in fighting the disease.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who battled through the disease himself and returned to the football field, was one of the first to call the star rusher in support.

While the two stayed in touch throughout the past five months, they had never met face-to-face until Berry surprised Conner on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

"Anything that you're going through, you're really battling yourself," Berry told the host when asked what advice he had for Conner. "It's never about the chemo, it's never about the cancer. It's all about what you're willing to put in to overcome whatever the obstacle is."

Conner has completed 10 of his 12 chemotherapy treatments, and is scheduled to finish his final one May 9. Provided he gets a positive verdict, he expects to be right back on the football field.

"What I want to do next is carry the ball again, no matter for how many yards it is," Conner told DeGeneres. "The next season will be something to remember forever. I can't wait for it to start."

- With h/t Pittsburgh Post-Gazette