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James Conner: Aaron Donald text 'my motivation' to make Pro Bowl

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner celebrated his first Pro Bowl nod on social media by posting a 2015 text from Aaron Donald, his former teammate at Pitt who encouraged him through his cancer fight.

3 years ago big bro @aarondonald99 sent me this text after I got diagnosed with cancer. Today special because it's all coming to reality..1 Pro Bowl down , more to come.. thank you for the motivation bro.. Hard work pays off!

Donald, a Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle who's largely considered the NFL's best defensive player, spoke a Pro Bowl into existence for Conner, who reflected on that special message from his locker.