Ronnie Hillman Dead at 31: Former NFL Star Running Back Had Rare Kidney Cancer

Mar. 15, 2025

Former NFL running back Ronnie Hillman has died. He was 31.

“It is with heavy hearts that weannounce the passingof our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.” his family posted on Instagram Thursday.

“Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends,” they added. “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 Denver Broncos, Hillman’s Super Bowl-winning team in 2015, released their own statement, also on Thursday.

Ronnie Hillman.Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty

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Ronnie Hillman.Steve Nehf/The Denver Post via Getty

On Wednesday, multiple reports stated that Hillman had entered hospice care with a rare form of kidney cancer.

His family also revealedin a statementthat the former NFL star had been diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma in August.

“#BroncosCountryplease pray for Ronnie Hillman he’s in hospice and not doing well,” teammate Orlando FranklintweetedTuesday.

Speaking to Denver’s 104.3 The Fan, Wolfe said that the former athlete alsohad pneumonia.

“He’s got bad liver cancer and he’s in hospice now,” Wolfe said. “It’s not looking good. He has pneumonia and I’m putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way.”

“Great football player, great person, great teammate, just an all around great dude,” Wolfe added.

“That’s awful news,” former teammate Brandon Stokley told The Fan. “He had a slow start but really picked it up and contributed a lot during the Super Bowl year.”

source: people.com