James Conner’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova

James Conner is an American football running back who plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Known for his powerful running style, determination and inspiring football journey, he has built a successful professional career after overcoming significant personal challenges. Beyond football, many fans are interested in learning about James Conner’s family, girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.

Born on May 5, 1995, in Erie, Pennsylvania, James Earl Conner grew up surrounded by a large family. His parents are Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner Sr., and he is the youngest of five brothers. His siblings include Glen Conner Jr., Richard Conner, Michael Conner and Rico Santiago.

Conner has frequently discussed the importance of his mother, father and brothers throughout his life. He also made headlines after purchasing a house for his mother and a truck for his father in 2020.

Although his immediate family is well documented, Conner has maintained greater privacy regarding his romantic relationships and children.

James Conner’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

James Conner was previously publicly linked to Sarah Quinn, a former University of Pittsburgh cheerleader who reportedly began dating him during his college football career.

Their relationship attracted attention when Conner became one of the most recognizable players on the Pittsburgh Panthers football team.

Quinn attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she participated in the university’s cheerleading program. According to published profiles, she previously attended Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

Reports indicate that Conner and Quinn began dating around 2015, during a challenging period in the football player’s life.

In December 2015, Conner announced that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Quinn was reportedly among the people supporting him during his recovery.

The couple continued to attract media attention after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Conner in the 2017 NFL Draft.

However, their relationship status later became uncertain.

Are James Conner and Sarah Quinn Still Together?

James Conner and Sarah Quinn’s current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.

In November 2024, EssentiallySports reported speculation that the couple might have separated after changes to their social media interactions.

Additional reporting in 2025 discussed similar speculation, including claims that photographs of the couple had disappeared from Conner’s social media accounts.

However, neither Conner nor Quinn made a widely documented public announcement confirming a breakup.

Consequently, it would be inaccurate to state definitively that they remain together or that their relationship has ended.

As of now, Sarah Quinn remains James Conner’s best-known publicly reported romantic partner, but his current girlfriend has not been independently verified.

Who Is Sarah Quinn?

Sarah Quinn is a former University of Pittsburgh cheerleader who became known to football fans through her reported relationship with James Conner.

After attending Franklin Regional High School in Pennsylvania, she enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh.

According to PlayerWives, Quinn later pursued a nursing career and worked as a registered nurse in trauma and burn care in Pittsburgh.

She generally maintained a lower public profile than Conner, although photographs of the couple previously circulated on social media.

Details about her present professional activities and relationship status have not been consistently established through reliable recent reporting.

Is James Conner Married?

There is no reliable public confirmation that James Conner is married.

The Arizona Cardinals running back has not made a widely documented wedding announcement, and established sports reporting does not identify a confirmed wife.

Although Sarah Quinn was previously described as his longtime girlfriend, there is no verified information establishing that the two married.

As of now, Conner’s marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.

Does James Conner Have Children?

James Conner has no publicly confirmed children.

As of now, the NFL running back has not made a verified public announcement identifying a son or daughter.

Major sports profiles about Conner generally focus on his parents, brothers, professional football career and recovery from cancer rather than fatherhood.

Therefore, there is no reliable public information establishing the names, ages or number of any children he may have.

This does not necessarily mean that Conner has no children. It means that fatherhood has not been established through trustworthy public sources.

James Conner’s Parents: Meet Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner Sr.

James Conner’s parents are Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner Sr., according to his official University of Pittsburgh football biography.

Both parents played important roles in his upbringing in Erie, Pennsylvania, and remained supportive during his football career.

Although his parents divorced during his childhood, Conner maintained close connections with both of them.

James Conner’s Mother: Kelly Patterson

Kelly Patterson is James Conner’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.

She has also been identified in published reporting as Kelly Bibbs, a name used in earlier accounts of the family’s history.

Kelly raised her children in Erie, Pennsylvania, and worked to provide them with opportunities despite financial challenges.

According to a September 2014 Sports Illustrated profile, she became a mother at a young age and raised a household that included five sons.

Her children grew up in a competitive environment, with the older brothers frequently challenging James through sports and other childhood activities.

Kelly encouraged her sons to develop independence and take responsibility for their decisions.

She also emphasized education and hard work.

What Does James Conner’s Mother Do?

Kelly Patterson has worked in social services, helping individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

In an August 2016 Sports Illustrated profile, she was identified as a social worker.

Her professional experience exposed James to the importance of helping others.

According to the same report, observing his mother’s work encouraged Conner to understand the challenges experienced by people outside professional sports.

This family influence later became particularly meaningful during his recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conner has participated in charitable initiatives supporting people affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.

James Conner Bought His Mother a House

One of the most memorable moments involving James Conner’s mother occurred in July 2020.

Conner surprised Kelly with a new house in Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to UPI, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back arranged the surprise with assistance from his brothers.

When Kelly entered the property and realized that her son had purchased it for her, she became emotional.

Conner shared the moment through social media, allowing fans to see his mother’s reaction.

The gift represented his appreciation for the sacrifices she made while raising him and his brothers.

It also demonstrated the importance of family relationships in his life.

James Conner’s Father: Glen Conner Sr.

Glen Conner Sr. is James Conner’s father. His identity is confirmed by the University of Pittsburgh’s official player biography.

Glen and Kelly raised their family in Erie, Pennsylvania, before separating during James’s childhood.

According to Sports Illustrated, the couple divorced in 1999, when James was approximately four years old.

Despite the divorce, James maintained a relationship with his father.

Glen was among the relatives who supported him during his college football career at Pittsburgh.

He also provided encouragement when James faced his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in 2015.

During the difficult months that followed, family support helped Conner maintain his determination to recover and return to football.

James Conner Surprised His Father With a Truck

In June 2020, James Conner demonstrated his appreciation for his father through a special gift.

He surprised Glen Conner Sr. with a new pickup truck.

The moment was captured on video and shared on social media.

According to Behind the Steel Curtain, Glen reacted emotionally when James presented him with the vehicle.

The father and son embraced as they celebrated the surprise.

The gesture attracted positive attention from football fans and came shortly before Conner purchased a house for his mother.

Both gifts highlighted his appreciation for his parents.

James Conner’s Siblings: Meet His Four Brothers

James Conner has four older brothers: Glen Conner Jr., Richard Conner, Michael Conner and Rico Santiago.

His official Pittsburgh Panthers biography confirms that he has four brothers, while a detailed September 2014 Sports Illustrated profile explains their family relationships.

Glen, Richard and Michael are his biological brothers, while Rico is his stepbrother through his mother’s second marriage.

Conner considers all four an important part of his family.

Growing up as the youngest brother influenced his personality and athletic development because he regularly competed against older and physically stronger siblings.

Glen Conner Jr.: James Conner’s Oldest Brother

Glen Conner Jr. is James Conner’s oldest brother.

Like James, he developed an interest in football and pursued opportunities to compete in the sport.

Glen played defensive line for the Erie Express, a semiprofessional football team based in Pennsylvania.

In April 2019, he received the team’s Defensive Player of the Week award after an impressive performance involving multiple tackles, sacks and an interception.

Glen was also one of the older siblings who helped James develop a competitive personality during childhood.

Their relationship was described in a 2014 Sports Illustrated family profile, which discussed how growing up alongside older brothers strengthened James’s toughness and confidence.

Richard Conner: James Conner’s Brother

Richard Conner is another of James Conner’s older brothers.

Richard grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was one of the siblings who introduced James to competitive physical activities.

In a June 2024 interview with the Erie Times-News, Richard discussed his younger brother’s development and expressed pride in his achievements.

He explained that James had always been eager to compete and rarely accepted a secondary role on the football field.

Richard also attended James’s youth football camp at McDowell High School, helping support an event that attracted hundreds of young athletes.

Their relationship reflects the continued family support Conner receives despite spending much of his professional career away from Pennsylvania.

Michael Conner: James Conner’s Brother

Michael Conner is James Conner’s older brother and another important influence on his childhood.

According to Sports Illustrated, Michael pursued a career in the United States Air Force and worked as an aircraft maintenance crew chief.

In 2014, Michael spoke publicly about James’s determination and his ability to make responsible decisions.

He also recalled how the brothers frequently challenged each other while growing up.

Michael continued supporting James after he entered college.

During James’s time at the University of Pittsburgh, Michael made a surprise visit to see his younger brother play football.

Their relationship illustrates the strong family connection that helped shape James throughout his athletic career.

Rico Santiago: James Conner’s Stepbrother

Rico Santiago is James Conner’s stepbrother through his mother’s second marriage.

He grew up as part of the same extended family and was treated as one of James’s four older brothers.

In its September 2014 profile, Sports Illustrated described the family’s close connection despite differences in biological relationships.

Rico was one of the siblings who contributed to the competitive environment surrounding James during childhood.

However, reliable public reporting provides limited information about Rico’s present occupation and personal activities.

As of now, he remains one of the four older brothers consistently identified in Conner’s family background.

Does James Conner Have a Sister?

There is no reliable public confirmation that James Conner has a sister.

His official Pittsburgh Panthers biography confirms four brothers, and detailed family reporting identifies their names.

Therefore, Glen, Richard, Michael and Rico are his publicly documented siblings.

How James Conner’s Family Supported Him Through Cancer

One of the most significant chapters in James Conner’s life began in December 2015, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

At the time, Conner was a college football player at the University of Pittsburgh.

He had already suffered a serious knee injury earlier that season, making the cancer diagnosis an additional challenge.

His parents, brothers, coaches and friends supported him during his treatment and recovery.

Conner continued attending football activities whenever possible while undergoing chemotherapy.

In May 2016, he announced that he was cancer-free after completing treatment.

He returned to competitive college football later that year and continued pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL.

His recovery attracted national attention and inspired many people facing similar challenges.

Conner later shared his experiences in the book Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life’s Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination, published in 2020.

His family’s encouragement remained an important part of that story.

How James Conner’s Family Influenced His Football Career

Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, James Conner was constantly surrounded by competition.

As the youngest of five brothers, he learned to compete against older siblings who were stronger and more experienced.

He attended McDowell High School, where he became an outstanding running back and defensive player.

His performances attracted interest from the University of Pittsburgh, where he developed into one of the nation’s top college running backs.

In 2014, Conner recorded 1,765 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns, earning ACC Player of the Year recognition.

Following his recovery from cancer, he returned for the 2016 season and rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 105th overall pick.

He eventually became the team’s starting running back and earned his first Pro Bowl selection following the 2018 season.

In April 2021, Conner signed with the Arizona Cardinals, beginning another successful period of his NFL career.

As of now, Conner remains with Arizona, although he has been working toward a return from the foot injury that sidelined him during the 2025 season.

Throughout his career, Conner has continued to acknowledge the importance of his parents and brothers, whose encouragement helped him overcome challenges and achieve professional success.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Conner’s Family

Who is James Conner’s girlfriend?

James Conner was previously in a publicly reported relationship with Sarah Quinn, a former University of Pittsburgh cheerleader. As of now, their current relationship status has not been independently confirmed.

Did James Conner and Sarah Quinn break up?

Media reports published in 2024 and 2025 discussed speculation that the couple had separated. However, neither Conner nor Quinn publicly confirmed a breakup in the available reliable reporting.

Is James Conner married?

There is no reliable public confirmation that James Conner is married or has a wife.

Does James Conner have children?

James Conner has no publicly confirmed children. He has not made a verified announcement identifying a son or daughter.

Who is James Conner’s mother?

His mother is Kelly Patterson, also identified in some reporting as Kelly Bibbs. She worked as a social worker and raised James and his brothers in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Who is James Conner’s father?

His father is Glen Conner Sr., who supported James throughout his college football career and recovery from cancer.

How many siblings does James Conner have?

James Conner has four older brothers named Glen Conner Jr., Richard Conner, Michael Conner and Rico Santiago.

Who is James Conner’s oldest brother?

His oldest brother is Glen Conner Jr., who previously played defensive line for the Erie Express football team.

Are James Conner’s parents divorced?

Yes. According to Sports Illustrated, Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner Sr. divorced in 1999, when James was a young child.

Did James Conner buy his mother a house?

Yes. In July 2020, James Conner surprised his mother with a new house in Erie, Pennsylvania. The emotional moment was widely covered by sports media.

What NFL team does James Conner play for?

As of now, James Conner is a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. He originally joined the franchise in 2021 after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.