DENVER — Ronnie Hillman, the former Denver running back and a key contributor on the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 championship team, died Wednesday night in Atlanta at the age of 31, his family said in a statement on social media.
Hillman in August was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma, his family said. The cancer is “a rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait,” the family wrote. “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.”
The Broncos on Thursday morning said in a statement, “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.”
