Former Denver Broncos Running Back Ronnie Hillman Dead at 31
Former Denver Broncos Running Back Ronnie Hillman Dead at 31
Tragedy has struck the family of former Denver Broncos running back, Ronnie Hillman.
According to NFL.com, the Super Bowl-winning rusher passed away on Wednesday, according to a statement his family posted on Hillman’s Instagram. He was 31 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.
Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.
We as the family, appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed. We ask
that you would give us time to process our feelings as we prepare to lay our precious RJ to rest.
More information will be forthcoming.
With love,
The Family”
Hillman’s family had just announced that he was placed in hospice care. According to TMZ, he was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma. It is described as a “rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait.” They also revealed that this was discovered back in August.
The Athletic reported that Hillman played for five seasons in the NFL. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the 67th pick. When the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 2015, he ran for 863 yards and scored seven touchdowns during the regular season. Hillman had rushed for 100 yards in four games during the season. That included the regular-season finale where he ran for 117 yards, and scored one touchdown in the 27-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers that sealed the number one seed for the Broncos for the AFC playoffs.
He played one last season in the NFL before retiring. He suited up for the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers in 2016. He finished his career with 1,976 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Former Denver Broncos Running Back Ronnie Hillman Dead at 31
