Former Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman Dies at 31 after Battling Rare Cancer

Former NFL running back Ronnie Hillman, a member of the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship team in 2015, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 31 after a battle with a rare form of liver cancer. Hillman's family announced the news on his Instagram account, stating that Hillman had entered into hospice care earlier this week after unsuccessful treatment for renal medullary carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait.

Hillman played five seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the Broncos and also spending time with the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers. He played college football at San Diego State University, where he was a standout running back and was selected by Denver in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hillman's best season came in 2015, when he rushed for 863 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season and helped the Broncos win the Super Bowl. He finished his career with 1,976 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Hillman's former teammates, including Brandon Marshall and C.J. Anderson, shared their condolences on social media after the news of his passing. Hillman is the second member of the Broncos' 2015 team to pass away, following the death of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas on December 9th due to complications from a seizure disorder. The family of Ronnie Hillman has stated that more information on a memorial for him will be forthcoming.