Ronnie Hillman of Denver Broncos passes away at 31
After a long battle with a rare form of cancer, Ronnie Hillman, the talented running back who helped the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50, has died. He was thirty-one.
According to NBC affiliate 9News, the family confirmed Hillman’s death on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2022.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Ronnie K. Hillman Jr. He was an amazing son, brother, and father, and he will be deeply missed,” the family said in a statement. Ronnie passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.
Hillman was born in Long Beach, California and raised not far from Los Angeles. He shined at San Diego State before being drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hillman was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma in August of 2022. African Americans with the sickle cell trait are particularly vulnerable to this rare form of cancer. He was recently placed in hospice care due to his degenerative condition and incurable medical malady.
Earlier this week, former Denver teammates Derek Wolfe and Orlando Franklin pleaded for public prayers.
Hillman’s family said in a statement Wednesday night, “We as the family appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed.” We ask for your understanding as we take the time to grieve and prepare to say goodbye to our beloved RJ.
Hillman’s most successful years were when he played for the Broncos, then he went on to play for the Vikings, Chargers, and Cowboys. After winning the Super Bowl in 2015, Hillman, along with Peyton Manning, Von Miller and that vaunted Denver defense, stifled Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers to take home the Vince Lombardi trophy.
