Super Bowl winner Ronnie Hillman has died at the age of 31, just months after being diagnosed with cancer, his family has confirmed.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr,” the Hillman family said n a statement.
“Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends. We, as a 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 statement added.
Hillman, who was part of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, in August this year.
After treatment proved unsuccessful, he entered hospice care earlier this month.
On Wednesday, the family announced that Hillman was being ‘kept comfortable and out of pain’ by hospice care, explaining how renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a ‘rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait’.
“As a family, we hope beyond hope, and we have faith that can move mountains,” they 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.”
Tributes have already come pouring in for the running back, who also played for the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys during his career.
“A bright soul gone far too soon,” the Broncos said in a statement on Twitter. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time.”
The NFL also honored Hillman in a post on social media, saying it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.
A bright soul gone far too soon.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time.
Remembering Ronnie Hillman: pic.twitter.com/3NGi5WJvZP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 22, 2022
