FORMER DENVER BRONCOS RONNIE HILLMAN LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER
Denver Broncos Super Bowl-winning running back Ronnie Hillman has passed away at 31 years of age the NFL confirmed.
Hillman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma in August. His cancer treatments are reported to have proven unsuccessful which forced him into hospice care for the cancer as well as pneumonia this month. Hillman passed away overnight Wednesday.
The family announced his passing via a statement on Instagram that read: “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 was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft at 20 years old and didn’t turn 21 until September of his rookie year. One of the youngest players selected in recent drafts, Hillman would go on to have his most productive year in the league in 2015, the season the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl. Hillman registered 863 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, helping guide the Broncos to a no. 1 AFC seed and ultimately a Super Bowl appearance. He also had a career-best 24 receptions that season.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman,” the Denver Broncos said in a statement on Thursday. “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.”
Hillman had an impressive collegiate career as a San Diego State Aztec in 2010 and 2011, rushing for 1,500+ yards in back-to-back seasons. The Long Beach-born running back totaled 1,532 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman and did one better by rushing for 1,711 yards the following year, reaching the end zone for 19 rushing touchdowns in his sophomore season.
Hillman would go on to play just five games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 after being released by the Broncos in September of that year. He then played his three final games in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers at just 25 years old and signed with the Cowboys in July of 2017 before being released on September 2nd.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was drafted in the same year as Ronnie Hillman and said on Twitter: “So sad to hear about Ronnie. 2012 Draft class. Gone too soon. Praying for the entire Hillman family, friends, and teammates. May you rest in peace in Heaven.”
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero
Photo: Jeffrey Beall. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.