How did former Broncos RB and Super Bowl winner Ronnie Hillman die?
Following a battle with cancer that started in August, the former Super Bowl champion passed away peacefully in hospital in the company of his family.
It’s been a sad week for the NFL and its fans. Following the loss of Steelers great Franco Harris, grief has now touched the Broncos, as reports confirm the untimely death of one of the team’s former players.
Former Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman passes away at 31
According to a statement from his family on social media, former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, a member of the Denver’s Super Bowl 50 championship team, died Wednesday night at the age of 31. “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.”
What did Ronnie Hillman suffer from?
As per reports, Hillman was battling a rare form of cancer known as renal medullary carcinoma, which afflicts the sickling of the red blood cells and in turn has an effect on the kidney. It is understood, that Hillman was diagnosed with the disease back in August. Regarding further details, Hillman’s former teammate Derek Wolfe revealed on Wednesday that Hillman was in hospice care suffering from liver cancer and pneumonia. The pair played together for Denver from 2012 to 2015 and were in fact part of the team that won that aforementioned Super Bowl against the Carolina Panthers in 2015. According to Wolfe, Hillman had been ill for the past few years, however, his condition had worsened in recent days.
“He’s got bad liver cancer and he’s in hospice now,” Wolfe said at the time. “It’s not looking good. He has pneumonia and I’m putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way.” Wolfe also went on to describe Hillman as not just a great teammate, but a better person outside of the world of football. “Great football player, great person, great teammate, just an all-around great dude,” Wolfe said. Interestingly, another former Broncos player also offered thoughts and prayers for Hillman, with former offensive lineman, Orlando Franklin posting on social media before Hillman’s tragic passing. “#BroncosCountry please pray for Ronnie Hillman he’s in hospice and not doing well,” Franklin tweeted.
Who was Ronnie Hillman?
Though drafted by Denver in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, it was clear that Hillman had talent. In his rookie season, he rushed for 330 yards and one touchdown which in itself was decent, but his best season came during the Broncos’ 2015 march to a Super Bowl title. During the campaign, Hillman rushed for 863 yards, caught 24 passes for 111 yards and scored a total of seven touchdowns. Though he would eventually call time on his NFL career in 2016, following stints with the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings, he will always have a place in the hearts of Denver’s fans.