What happened to Ronnie Hillman? How did the Super Bowl winner die at 31?
Earlier on Wednesday, the NFL confirmed that Ronnie Hillman shockingly passed away at the age of 31. The former Denver Broncos running back suffered from a rare type of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma.
Hillman’s family confirmed his death on Wednesday with a post on his Instagram page. A message read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr. Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.”
The former NFL star was receiving ineffective therapy for his kidney cancer with which he was diagnosed in August. He then entered hospice care earlier this week. Unfortunately, the cancer was too much for the doctors to handle and it eventually led to Hillman’s tragic passing.
Broncos hold a moment for the late Ronnie Hillman. Hillman passed away on December 21 after a battle with cancer 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/6EnPzPnqko
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) January 8, 2023
Tributes from the NFL world poured in for Hillman soon after the news of his death was confirmed. Many former and current NFL stars also offered their condolences to Hillman’s family.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman.
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.
A statement from the Broncos: pic.twitter.com/e7Pc76y62o
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 22, 2022
Ronnie Hillman stats and NFL career
NFL Player Ronnie Hillman dies at age 31 from Kidney Cancer. The 💉💉💉💉 are killing people and contributing to their death left and right. That's too young for an athlete to be dying.
— Joshua NoToCBDC Bandicoot (@UntamedVoice32) December 30, 2022
Ronnie Hillman joined the NFL in 2012 when he signed for the Denver Broncos. He spent four seasons in Denver and won the Super Bowl 50 with the franchise. Hillman then played briefly for the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers in 2016. He finished his career by practicing on the Dallas Cowboys team in 2017 but he didn’t make an appearance for the franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uDH0quy2SU
Hillman racked up 1,976 rushing yards over the course of his career and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground. He also added 524 receiving yards on 74 receptions with one touchdown through the air.
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