Celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 15:18 22 Dec 2022 GMT
Super Bowl winner Ronnie Hillman has sadly passed away aged 31 following a battle with cancer, his family has revealed.
Hillman won the most prestigious title in football while playing as a running back for the Denver Broncos in 2015 in a game against the Carolina Panthers.
During that season, Hillman was the team's leading rusher with 863 yards and seven touchdowns under his belt.
His career began at San Diego State University where he scored 36 touchdowns in two seasons, before being drafted into the NFL by the Denver Broncos in 2012, per CNN.
After winning the Super Bowl, he spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers in 2016 before signing with the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2017 season.
Hillman never featured for the Cowboys and was released from his contract shortly after signing.
Sadly, Hillman's family updated fans via his Instagram page on Thursday, December 22, that he has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Their statement read: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr. Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.
"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.
"More information will be forthcoming. With love, The Family."
Per a post uploaded to his Instagram on Wednesday, Hillman's family explained that he had been suffering from renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, since August.
The statement explained: "Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) is a rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait."
They explained that treatment had not been successful and that Hillman was being kept comfortable by hospice care and asked fans to pray for the football star. But he, unfortunately, passed away less than 24 hours later.
Hillman's former team, the Denver Broncos, has paid tribute to their former star on Twitter. "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," the statement read, adding that they offer their condolences to Hillman's family at this time.
Our thoughts are with Hillman's friends, family, and fans during this time of grief.
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