Troy University Athletics
The Job is Never Finished: Ethan Conner’s Leadership and Perseverance in Senior Season
11/4/2025 12:32:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. – After battling through multiple injuries last season, senior tight end Ethan Conner enters his final year at Troy with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.
Conner opened the 2024 season with a strong performance on the national stage, recording six catches for 50 yards against Iowa. But just as momentum was building, injury struck again.
"I was feeling really good about the season last year, and I felt like I was healthy and ready to go," Conner said. "Then injuries struck, and I was just trying to stay as positive as I could while trying to rehab and get back on the field."
After weeks of recovery, Conner returned to action against Georgia Southern, hauling in three receptions for 47 yards. Still, it marked another setback in a career that has tested his resilience.
"I was just like, 'Man, another injury?'" Conner said. "I feel like God has a timing for everything, but I couldn't believe there was another injury."
Despite the frustration, Conner credited his teammates and coaches for keeping him grounded and motivated during the toughest stretches.
"The coaches and players did an amazing job of trying to keep me in the right headspace," Conner said. "We're big on family here, and being in a place where you feel like the family is behind you is very important and special."
That sense of family has helped Conner grow into a leadership role within the program.
"I try to stay positive for the guys around me and do anything to help them out," Conner said. "Whether that's going over a game plan or helping the young guys, I try to continue being a voice and a leader. I'm still here and I'm still involved as a part of this team."
Conner draws much of his inspiration from both his family and the Troy football program.
"Family is number one," Conner said. "My parents, little brother and siblings have inspired me since I was little. Going to work with the guys here and the coaching staff is huge. You don't have any choice but to want to get better."
After an offseason dedicated to improvement, Conner said he focused on refining the finer points of his game.
"I feel like I've grown in areas I was weak in this offseason," he said. "I still have steps to keep taking and keep growing. The job's never finished. It's about looking at the small things and trying to see what I can build on."
While Conner has his eyes on a professional career, he said his current focus remains squarely on Troy's 2025 campaign.
"I want to go to the NFL, but right now I'm focusing on this season," Conner said. "I'm focusing on the guys in this locker room and this coaching staff, and I'll let God handle the rest. It's about taking it one day at a time."
Conner made an immediate impact to start his senior season, catching a touchdown in the Trojans' season-opening win over Nicholls.
"I'm really excited for my senior season," Conner said. "I feel really good and I'm ready to go."
Conner opened the 2024 season with a strong performance on the national stage, recording six catches for 50 yards against Iowa. But just as momentum was building, injury struck again.
"I was feeling really good about the season last year, and I felt like I was healthy and ready to go," Conner said. "Then injuries struck, and I was just trying to stay as positive as I could while trying to rehab and get back on the field."
After weeks of recovery, Conner returned to action against Georgia Southern, hauling in three receptions for 47 yards. Still, it marked another setback in a career that has tested his resilience.
"I was just like, 'Man, another injury?'" Conner said. "I feel like God has a timing for everything, but I couldn't believe there was another injury."
Despite the frustration, Conner credited his teammates and coaches for keeping him grounded and motivated during the toughest stretches.
"The coaches and players did an amazing job of trying to keep me in the right headspace," Conner said. "We're big on family here, and being in a place where you feel like the family is behind you is very important and special."
That sense of family has helped Conner grow into a leadership role within the program.
"I try to stay positive for the guys around me and do anything to help them out," Conner said. "Whether that's going over a game plan or helping the young guys, I try to continue being a voice and a leader. I'm still here and I'm still involved as a part of this team."
Conner draws much of his inspiration from both his family and the Troy football program.
"Family is number one," Conner said. "My parents, little brother and siblings have inspired me since I was little. Going to work with the guys here and the coaching staff is huge. You don't have any choice but to want to get better."
After an offseason dedicated to improvement, Conner said he focused on refining the finer points of his game.
"I feel like I've grown in areas I was weak in this offseason," he said. "I still have steps to keep taking and keep growing. The job's never finished. It's about looking at the small things and trying to see what I can build on."
While Conner has his eyes on a professional career, he said his current focus remains squarely on Troy's 2025 campaign.
"I want to go to the NFL, but right now I'm focusing on this season," Conner said. "I'm focusing on the guys in this locker room and this coaching staff, and I'll let God handle the rest. It's about taking it one day at a time."
Conner made an immediate impact to start his senior season, catching a touchdown in the Trojans' season-opening win over Nicholls.
"I'm really excited for my senior season," Conner said. "I feel really good and I'm ready to go."
Players Mentioned
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