Ronnie Hillman, a Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos, has passed away at 31 after a battle with cancer.
Hillman’s family announced his death in a message posted to his Instagram account.
He was in August diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, according to the statement.
“Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of family and close friends,” the message said. “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.”
Renal medullary carcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer that primarily affects people with sickle cell trait (SCT). It was not immediately clear whether Hillman himself had SCT.
Hillman entered hospice care on Tuesday. His family said he had undergone treatment, but it was unsuccessful.
San Diego State University (SDSU), Hillman’s alma mater, posted a tribute on their football team’s official Twitter.
“Gone way too soon,” it reads alongside an image of Hillman. “We’ll miss you, Ronnie.”
On the school’s website, SDSU’s director of athletics John David Wicker wrote, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of Ronnie Hillman. 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.”
SDSU’s head coach Brady Hoke also penned a tribute, saying, “Our deepest condolences go out to Ronnie’s family.
“Although I only got to coach him one season, I’ll remember him as a great teammate and hard worker. Ronnie always came to practice with a smile on his face and his passion for the game was contagious. He’ll always be an Aztec for Life.”
After two standout seasons at San Diego State, Hillman hired an agent and entered the 2012 NFL draft. The Broncos selected him in the third round.
Hillman finished his career with 1,976 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. As a player, he reached two Super Bowls, winning a ring in 2015 with the Broncos.
