Former Broncos player Ronnie Hillman dies from cancer at 31

Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) speaks to reporters in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

by: Morgan Whitley

Posted: Dec 22, 2022 / 06:52 AM MST

Updated: Dec 22, 2022 / 07:25 AM MST

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DENVER (KDVR) — Running back Ronnie Hillman, who helped lead the Denver Broncos to win the 2016 Super Bowl, has died, according to his family. He was 31 years old.

Hillman’s family posted on his Instagram that the former Broncos player was diagnosed with Renal Medullary Carcinoma back in August.

“RMC is a rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait,” said his family on Instagram.

On Wednesday, Hillman’s family said his treatment had not been successful and he quietly passed at the age of 31.

Hillman’s family left this message on his Instagram accompanied by a photo of the beloved running back smiling in his Broncos jersey:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and 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

According to Fox News, Hillman was a leading rusher for the Broncos in 2015 where he started 10 out of 16 games and ran for 863 yards on 207 carries. Seven of those were touchdowns.

The Denver Broncos also released a statement on Hillman’s passing:

We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman. A key contributor to the winningest four-year period in franchise history, Ronnie was part of two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos in rushing during our Super Bowl 50 championship season. Soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity, Ronnie was drafted by the Broncos in 2012 and grew into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate. He will be fondly remembered by our organization, which extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time.”
Denver Broncos

Originally, Hillman was a third-round pick from San Diego State back in 2012. He spent four seasons with the boys in orange and blue before spending his 2016 season with the Minnesota Vikings and the then-San Diego Chargers.