James Conner, a junior running back at the University of Pittsburgh, announced Friday he was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Conner, 20, announced his diagnosis at a news conference surrounded by his mother, his teammates, and Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi, promising to beat cancer and play football again.

"I know there are so many people in the world who were told by their doctors this week that they also have cancer. I want them to know that together we can - and will - beat cancer," he said in his statement. "I will play football again. I will be at Heinz Field again. I have the best coaches and teammates in the country. I thank God I chose Pitt because now I also have the best doctors in the country and together we will win. I know this city has my back."

According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Conner learned his diagnosis the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Dr. Stanley Marks, deputy director of clinical services for UPMC CancerCenter/University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, told the newspaper Conner has an "optimistic" outlook for beating cancer.

"His cure rate is between 85 and 95 percent," Dr. Marks said.

Conner played in one game this season, Pitt's season opener against Youngstown State, and recorded eight carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns. In that game, he tore his MCL and had to miss the rest of the season, ESPN reported.

He was reportedly weighing declaring for the NBA Draft or returning to Pitt for his senior season. That decision will likely have to wait, as he is scheduled to start chemotherapy treatment on Tuesday.

"It has been almost a year since I first met James and I've learned many things about him during that time," Narduzzi said in the statement. "Yes, he is a talented football player, but more importantly he is an exceptional person. Being an athlete is just a small fraction of who he is. James cares deeply about others. He is invested in his community and helping people in need.

"Know this: James Conner will not face this challenge alone. We are all going to be right beside him every step of the way. And the day that he is declared cancer free, we will all celebrate like we do after one of his patented touchdown runs. James has never backed down from an opponent and we all know this is a battle he will win."