Pitt's James Conner tweets he's cancer-free

In amazing news for everyone associated with college football, Pitt standout James Conner tweeted Monday that his body is clean of cancer.

Conner suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season's opening game and was then diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December. He underwent rigorous chemotherapy sessions throughout this calendar year.

During his treatment, Conner caught the eye of Kansas City Chiefs safety and fellow cancer survivor Eric Berry, who met with the Panthers star during an appearance on the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound bruiser was one of the top rushers in the country during the 2014 season, racking up 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns. It's unknown when he will return to the football field.

Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi released a statement after Conner's announcement, praising the attitude of his star rusher.

"Over the past six months, James Conner fought cancer the same way he plays football: relentlessly and without surrender," Narduzzi said. "He has inspired and touched so many people in how he has handled this challenge. James is an incredibly special person, and I'm not even thinking about his football ability when I say that. Everyone at Pitt feels blessed to know him and we are tremendously thankful for the wonderful news he received today."

Pitt opens the 2016 season Sept. 3 against Villanova.