Ronnie Hillman: 5 things to know about the former Broncos player who died at 31

• Ronnie was a running back for the Denver Broncos.
• He won the 2016 Super Bowl with Peyton Manning.
• On Wednesday, he died of a rare cancer called medullary renal cell carcinoma.

Ronnie Hillman sadly passed away after battling cancer at the age of 31 on December 22nd. His death was announced Wednesday after it was reported he was in hospice care, via tmz extension. Ronnie’s family shared what they conveyed in a statement to the agency. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.”, they said. 🇧🇷Today Ronnie passed smoothly and peacefully in the company of his family and close friends.”

Fans of the former Denver Broncos player will always remember his dramatic Super Bowl 50 victory in February 2016. The Compton, California native’s successful athletic career began with the San Diego State Aztecs football team and later brought to the NFL. The Broncos also released a statement mourning his death. “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman. Twitter🇧🇷 “He will be remembered fondly by our organization, which extends its deepest condolences and condolences to the Hillman family at this difficult time.”

Here’s what you need to know about Ronnie and his career.

1. He’s had an amazing career.

Ronnie had been a star since the beginning of his career. In 2012, he was a third-round draft pick and, of course, had an outstanding run as a running back for the Denver Broncos, playing 48 games with the team. In February 2016, he and the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, and subsequently left the team in September of that year. Ronnie went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys, but his big win alongside the NFL legend peyton manning it remains the defining moment of his career.

2. He is loved by his peers.

In agreement with tmz extensionRonnie’s former teammates took to social media to share well wishes for him while he was in hospice care. “Pray for Ronnie Hillman, he is in hospice care and not well,” he wrote. Orlando Franklin, who played with Ronnie for the Broncos, via Twitter on December 20, 2022. Former teammate derek wolf presumably said 104.3 The fan Tuesday 21 December which “doesn’t look good”. “He has pneumonia and I’m just posting this to send him good vibes,” Derek said of his friend, adding that he’s a “nice guy.” Orlando, in particular, seemed upset and tweeted multiple times on Dec. 20. “Lord, please have mercy, please,” he wrote.

#CountryBroncos Please pray for Ronnie Hillman, he is in hospice care and not well.

—Orlando Franklin (@OFranklin74) December 20, 2022

3. She was a high school athletic star.

According to his Wikipedia page, Ronnie emerged as an athletic force in high school. At La Habra High School, he excelled early at letter writing in track and field, football, and basketball. He then played for the San Diego State Aztecs before turning to professional soccer.

4. Comes from a family of faith.

As Ronnie battled a rare cancer on Dec. 21, her family released a hopeful statement. “As a family, we hope beyond hope and have a faith that can move mountains,” the family wrote in part on Instagram. “We also understand that God’s will is not always ours; therefore, we as a family submit to the will of our Almighty God. We need your prayers, but we also need your understanding and respect for the privacy of Ronnie and our family at this time.”

5. He was diagnosed in August.

According to the family’s statement, the NFL star has been dealing with the disease for months and was diagnosed in August. She is currently on hospice and being kept “pain free”. “While this message is difficult to share, we believe it is necessary,” she wrote. “In August of this year, Ronnie was diagnosed with medullary renal cell carcinoma. Medullary renal cell carcinoma (CRM) is a rare but highly aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait. Unfortunately, treatment has not been successful and our beloved RJ is currently in hospice care where he is being kept comfortable and pain free.”

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