Former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman dies at 31

Ronnie Hillman, Super Bowl champion and former La Habra High standout, dies at 31

A man in a Denver Broncos Super Bowl sweatshirt with the No. 23 speaks in front of microphones

By PAT GRAHAM

Associated Press

Dec. 22, 2022 4:43 PM PT

DENVER — Running back Ronnie Hillman, who was part of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, has died, his family said in a statement. He was 31.

Hillman’s family posted on his Instagram account Wednesday that he was diagnosed in August with a rare form of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma and was under hospice care. The family wrote hours later that he died surrounded by family and close friends.

The Broncos expressed their condolences on social media Thursday morning.

Hillman, a star at La Habra High School in Orange County, had a standout career at San Diego State and was picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He ran for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns over his 56-game career, which included stints with the Minnesota Vikings and the Chargers while they were in San Diego.

Hillman led the Broncos in rushing with 863 yards during the 2015 regular season. It was a season that culminated with the Broncos beating Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Hillman had five carries for no yards in the game.

In their statement, the Broncos described Hillman as “soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity.” They added that he “grew into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate.”

Hillman rushed for 3,243 yards and 36 touchdowns in two seasons at San Diego State.

“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,” San Diego State coach Brady Hoke said in a statement. “Ronnie always came to practice with a smile on this face and his passion for the game was contagious. He’ll always be an Aztec for life.”

Added athletic director John David Wicker: “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.”

Hillman’s family explained in its initial post that his form of cancer affects “young African Americans with sickle cell trait. Unfortunately treatment has not been successful.”

Hours later, the family posted that he “quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.”