The family of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman announced he died Wednesday at the age of 31.
Hillman’s family said he was diagnosed with battling renal medullary carcinoma in August. He was placed in hospice care earlier this week.
Renal medullary carcinoma “is a rare cancer of the kidney that predominantly afflicts young people of African descent who carry the sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, or other sickle hemoglobinopathies that can cause sickling of the red blood cells.”
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
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Hillman was the Broncos’ leading rusher in 2015, the same season they won the Super Bowl. He ran for 863 yards on 207 carries, seven of them touchdowns.
Hillman was a third-round pick out of San Diego State in 2012. He spent four seasons with Denver before playing with both the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers in 2016.