GLENDALE – Since arriving to the Valley, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been a touchdown machine. The former Pitt legend is coming off back-to-back 1,000 rushing seasons and has 37 touchdowns in his tenure with the franchise. However, Conner turned 30 years old a few months ago, which makes next season risky. Since 2020, only four running backs in their age-30 season eclipsed 700+ rushing yards.
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Cardinals running back James Conner runs a drill during Cardinals training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on July 31, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Can Conner rack up another 1,000+ rushing season with Cardinals?
The good news for Conner is two of those marks came last season with Baltimore Ravens Derrick Henry and Minnesota Vikings Aaron Jones. More instances occurring more frequently shows that modern training and medicine can help extend a running backs prime.
However, the other two instances both came from Raheem Mostert when he did it with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 and 2023. Mostert went from a Pro Bowler with 1,012 rushing yards to a limited role and only 278 rushing yards the following season.
Cardinals running back James Conner (6) shakes the hand of a referee during Cardinals training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on July 31, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Conner’s body type is comparable to Henry, as each are 6’1+ and 235+ pounds. Speed was neither of the halfbacks strength, which has helped them as they get older as it doesn’t hinder their playstyle. Arizona and Baltimore are very similar, dual-threat quarterback with an elite running blocking offensive line to lead them to one the best run offenses in the league.
The Cardinals offensive line overperformed last season with the personnel and age at each position. Conner benefited greatly from that and does have the tools surrounding him to record his third-straight 1,000-yard season. Conner played in 16 games in 2024, the most in his career and a stellar sign for the 30-year-old heading into his ninth NFL seaosn.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
