Former NFL Running Back Ronnie Hillman Dies at 31 From Rare Form of Cancer

Ronnie Hillman, a former running back for the Denver Broncos who contributed to the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory, passed away on Wednesday after succumbing to rare cancer at 31.

On Wednesday, his family announced on Instagram, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & 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.”

In a post earlier that day, Hillman’s family informed followers that he had been taken to hospice care and revealed that he had been diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma in August.

“As a family, we hope beyond hope, and we have faith that can move mountains,” the statement said.  “We also understand that God’s will is not always ours; therefore, we as a family subject ourselves to the will of our Almighty God.  We need your prayers, but we also need your understanding and respect for Ronnie and our family’s privacy at this time.”