Ex-SDSU football star & Former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman passed away. Let’s see what happened to him and Ronnie Hillman cause of death in detail.
What happened to Ronnie Hillman?
On Wednesday, Ronnie Hillman’s family posted on the football player’s social media account that he had passed away at the age of 31. Hillman was a former running back for the San Diego State Aztecs and the NFL.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr,” the Instagram post read. “Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.” The unfortunate news comes a day after it was reported by former Denver Broncos teammates that Hillman was in hospice care due to liver cancer.
“It doesn’t seem promising. Hillman has pneumonia, and I’m putting it out there to help him feel better, said Derek Wolfe, a former teammate of Hillman’s, on Denver’s 104.3 The Fan.
Hillman’s family Statement
“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 family said in a statement.
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Who was Ronnie Hillman?
Running back Ronnie Keith Ryan Hillman played American football. He passed away on December 21, 2022. At San Diego State, he participated in college football.
In the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected him. It was with them that he won Super Bowl 50. He then played for the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys.
Hillman, along with Peyton Manning, was a member of the Denver club that won Super Bowl 50 from 2012 to 2015. He was a “wonderful soccer player, fantastic person, excellent teammate,” and “an overall great man,” according to Wolfe.
Hillman played in the NFL for clubs including the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys after graduating from San Diego State.
Early Life & Career
From Compton, California, came Hillman. He has a sister and five brothers. Hillman first showed off his skills while he was a student at La Habra High School, where he lettered in basketball, football, and track.
He participated in football as a running back. He was named the Southwest Division offensive player of the year in 2007 after compiling 1,615 yards and 20 touchdowns in a campaign that saw the Highlanders win the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division title.
He led the Highlanders to a 12-2 record and the 2008 CIF Southern Section Southwest Division title after going 5-0 in the Freeway League and winning the 2008 Freeway League championship as a senior 2008, earning him the title of Freeway League MVP. He accounted for 2,104 yards all-purpose yards (1,251 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns) and 27 total touchdowns all-purpose yards.
He was named to the Orange County Register’s first All-County team for his efforts. Hillman played as a sprinter for the track and field team, where he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds, and was a part of the 4 x 100-meter relay team.
Most recruiting experts rated Hillman as a three-star recruit after his senior year, and Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State all extended scholarship offers to him. After a protracted gated period, Hillman made the decision to divert his abilities locally to the Aztecs.
Ronnie Hillman cause of death
The Denver Broncos selected Ronnie Hillman as they’re running back in 2012. He is currently battling a rare form of cancer at a hospice.
One of his former Broncos teammates, Orlando Franklin, let the team’s supporters know about it by requesting prayers for the former running back.
Franklin confirmed that Ronnie is suffering from “severe liver cancer” while Derek Wolfe, another of his former teammates, confirmed that Ronnie is in hospice and not doing well.
On Tuesday, Wolfe stated on 104.3 The Fan, “It’s not looking good.” “I’m putting him in there even though he has pneumonia simply to give him good vibes,” I said.
Really sad news from @OFranklin74 that Ronnie Hillman is in hospice w/ liver complications.
Ronnie had almost 1000 all purpose yards and 7 TDs in the 2015-16 season, helping the Broncos win Super Bowl 50. @MrHillman2U my thoughts & prayers with you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xnL39KL5xz
— Ben Cary (@Ben_Cary_) December 20, 2022
Hillman’s cancer battle
He has an extremely rare and dangerous kind of cancer. Ronnie Hillman was identified as having renal medullary carcinoma, a “rare but very aggressive form of malignant neoplasm that primarily strikes young African-American men with sickle cell trait,” according to a statement released by Hillman’s family in August.
“As a family, we have unwavering faith that is capable of moving mountains. We are aware that sometimes God’s will differs from our own, so as a family, we surrender to God’s omnipotent will.”
The message read, “We need your prayers, but we also need your compassion and respect for Ronnie and our family’s privacy at this time.
Less than 1% of all renal neoplasms are renal medullary carcinomas (RMC), an extremely rare form of cancer. RMC mostly affects young men between the ages of 10 and 40, and it is characterized by extremely aggressive conduct. Most of the patients are young guys of African descent.
Renal medullary carcinoma
WHAT IS IT? | SYMPTOMS OF RMC | TREATMENT |
| An uncommon kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma damages the kidney. At the time of diagnosis, it is frequently metastatic, aggressive, and challenging to treat. The fact that this type of cancer is most frequently found in people with sickle cell trait or, less frequently, sickle cell illness suggests that the sickle cell trait may be a risk factor for this particular cancer. | The most typical initial symptom of RMC is hematuria, or blood in the urine. Patients may also experience flank pain around the kidneys or, less frequently, a mass in their abdomen, generally on the right side. The majority of RMC patients will start losing weight inadvertently, and some may also get fevers and night sweats. | Chemotherapy is frequently used to treat RMC. Surgery to remove the entire kidney along with cancer inside it can be considered if CT or MRI imaging indicates that RMC is contained only to the kidney and has not spread to other places. It is well known for having a dismal prognosis, with an average overall survival of less than a year.
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Tributes & Condolences poured in for Ronnie Hillman
John Beals
Oh wow not easy. I remember him too. played on the clan field I watched Ronnie Hillman last 4 years … he is the best running back ever I saw
Sad news: Former #Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman has passed away at age 31 from cancer. RIP
Hillman won a Super Bowl with the #Broncos in the 2015 season and also played for the #Vikings and #Chargers in his career.
— KINGDOM JEFF ❤️🏈🏹💛 (@Magic_Mahomes) December 22, 2022
James Gomez
On behalf of the entire La Habra City Council we extend our deepest sympathy he will live in our hearts forever.  Wendy Michelle Witherington Rest in peace Ronnie, you will be missed and it was great knowing you and your infectious personality!
Stunning to hear about the passing of La Habra great Ronnie Hillman. Remember him in a big game vs Los Al at home on some terrific end around runs. @CalHiSports sends our condolences to La Habra FB and his family. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/OrqBhKHSVw
— Ronnie Flores (@RonMFlores) December 22, 2022
Brandon Martinez
I just saw another post saying that he lost his battle. R.I.P. Ronnie, prayers for his loved ones.
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.