Fear Is a Choice

Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination

De: James Conner, Tiffany Yecke Brooks

Narrado por: David Sadzin

From fighting for his life to pursuing a career in the NFL, ACC Player of the Year and star Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner shares how his choice to not fear the unknown made all the difference in his extraordinary journey.

During his first two years at the University of Pittsburgh, running back James Conner became one of the Panthers’ biggest stars, breaking records and winning the adoration of fans. Then, in the first game of his junior year, disaster struck in the form of a torn MCL. During rehab, James’s health continued to inexplicably deteriorate until a chest X-ray and biopsy confirmed the unthinkable: a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the dream of an NFL career that was in jeopardy; it was James’s life. Yet when he shared the news of his diagnosis publicly, James rallied family, friends, and fans, with his message of hope and courage: “Fear is a choice. I choose not to fear cancer.” In just ten words, James defined his own journey on his own terms and refused to back down from one of the most dreaded diseases known to man.

Drawing strength from his faith in God and the support of his community and loved ones, James underwent treatment but continued to practice with his team despite the intense physical toll of chemotherapy. He was declared cancer-free within a year. Returning to the field in 2016, he finished his college career with a record-breaking 3,733 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. Entering the NFL draft early, his success continued. Selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he quickly became one of the most beloved rookies in the league.

In Fear is a Choice, James candidly shares his experiences during his battle with cancer and beyond, encouraging readers and illustrating the spiritual truths and personal principles that got him through his darkest days. Conner’s warm, intimate, and inspiring story offers wisdom and advice for anyone who has faced adversity or the loss their dreams—and everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination.

Motivation

Absolutely loved this book, so inspiring and motivational. Definitely a must read… I must say this made me look at life differently.

We can’t control everything, but we can choose courage over fear. Truly inspiring and motivating.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. I like how powerful and real your story is it truly touched my heart. Even though our lives are different, I connected deeply with what you went through.
I lost my dad when I was 17 to a heart attack. Years later, my husband also suffered a heart attack at just 43 and had to go through open heart surgery. Around that same time, my son who has loved football since he was 5 years old made the difficult decision not to play in college so he could focus on his education. Then, during his senior year, just six months after my husband’s surgery, he got injured in his very first game and tore his MCL and ACL, which required surgery. It was an incredibly hard year for our family, especially as my youngest son was also going through an autism diagnosis at the same time.
When we found out my son would not be able to play football anymore, we cried together. But in that moment, he showed incredible strength and said, “Mom, God has another plan for me.” He chose courage over fear, just like you talk about. He didn’t let fear take over, and that is something I will never forget.
Reading your story reminded me that even through pain and challenges, we can choose strength, faith, and purpose. You are truly a winner for everything you have overcome, and I can only imagine how proud your mom must be of you.
We live in Arizona and love football we follow you and cheer for you every game. When my husband shared your story and told me about your book, I knew I had to read it. It is truly inspiring.
God made you strong and a shepherd for others to follow. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that fear is a choice.

Great Story Great Message

I was a big James Conner fan before this book and i am a bigger fan now. This was a great story with a great message and definitely worth a read for football and non-football fans.

James Conner is an inspiration

This young man’s story of undying faith and perseverance will change you.
Thank you James! From one proud “yinzer” to another!

highly recommend

I highly recommend this book, this is easily the best self help book I've ever listened to. I love how he gives credit to God with everything.