Former NFL running back Ronnie Hillman has passed away at the age of 31 after a battle with cancer. His family made the announcement of his passing on Thursday morning. His former teammates had expressed that he was in critical condition for a few days now. According to Derek Wolfe, he was suffering from liver cancer and had contracted pneumonia. Hillman spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos but also spent small stints with the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers. The Broncos selected the running back in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Denver’s Super Bowl-winning running back Ronnie Hillman died Wednesday after a battle with liver cancer, his family announced on Instagram. He was 31. pic.twitter.com/vCJb5SfI8u
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2022
In his five-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and San Diego Chargers, Ronnie Hillman rushed the ball 494 times for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 74 passes for 524 yards and one touchdown. Hillman was also a member of the Denver Broncos when the team won Super Bowl 50. Hillman will be remembered best by his family, friends, teammates, and fans. We here at Def Pen Sports offer them our thoughts at this time.
The Denver Broncos released the following statement about his 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.”
