It’s heartbreaking: A very loyal Denver Broncos player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
Ronnie Hillman, a running back for the Denver Broncos who played in Super Bowl 50, passed away, according to a statement from his family. His age was 31.
Hillman was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer, in August and was receiving hospice care, according to a post made by his family on his Instagram account on Wednesday.
Hours later, the family wrote that he passed away with his close friends and family by his side.
On Thursday morning, the Broncos posted their condolences on social media.
In the third round of the 2012 draft, Hillman was selected by the Broncos following an exceptional tenure at San Diego State. Over the course of his 56-game career, which included stints with the Minnesota Vikings and the Chargers while they were in San Diego, he ran for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In the regular season of 2015, Hillman had the most rushing yards (863), leading the Broncos. In Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Broncos defeated Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers 24-10, capping an incredible season. In the game, Hillman had five carries for no yards.
According to the Broncos’ statement, Hillman is “soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity.” They stated that he “grew into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate.”
Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris of the Steelers passes away at age 72
Terry Bradshaw, the quarterback who went into the Hall of Fame, disclosed that he had two types of cancer treated.
Hillman spent two seasons at San Diego State, running for 3,243 yards and 36 touchdowns.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Ronnie’s family. Brady Hoke, the coach of San Diego State, released a statement. “Even though I only had the opportunity to coach him for one season, I’ll remember him as a great teammate and hard worker.” Ronnie’s enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and he always had a smile on his face when he arrived at practice. He is and will always be Aztec.”
“Ronnie helped resurrect San Diego State football in his two seasons in 2010 and 2011 and has recently been around the program, offering wisdom and insight,” said John David Wicker, athletic director at SDSU.
In its initial post, Hillman’s family clarified that young African Americans with sickle cell trait are affected by his type of cancer. Sadly, the course of treatment has not been effective.”
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LINKED STORIES
Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris of the Steelers passes away at age 72
33-year-old former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Demaryius Thomas
Terry Bradshaw, the quarterback who went into the Hall of Fame, disclosed that he had two types of cancer treated.
Hall of Fame QB for Kansas City Len Dawson passes away at age 87.
Additional NFL Reporting
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