Ex-NFL running back, Ronnie Hillman has passed away at 31. His family announced his death via Instagram on Thursday, December 22, 2022, saying, “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,” his family announced. “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.”
Former NFL Star, Ronnie Hillman Dead at 31 After Battling Rare Kidney Cancer
They also said that more information will be “forthcoming,” and ended the message, “With love, The Family” Hillman’s Super Bowl-winning team in 2015, The Denver Broncos also released a statement that read, “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.”
The statement continued to read, “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.” Reports had it on Wednesday that the former NFL star had entered hospice care with a rare form of kidney cancer. His family also shared in a statement that he had been diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma in August.
On Tuesday, teammate Orlando Franklin tweeted “#BroncosCountry please pray for Ronnie Hillman he’s in hospice and not doing well.” Wolfe told Denver’s 104.3 The Fan that Ronnie also had pneumonia. “He’s got bad liver cancer and he’s in hospice now,” Wolfe said. “It’s not looking good. He has pneumonia and I’m putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way.”
Wolfe continued, “Great football player, great person, great teammate, just an all around great dude. That’s awful news,” former teammate Brandon Stokley told The Fan. “He had a slow start but really picked it up and contributed a lot during the Super Bowl year.”
