Former Denver Broncos Running Back Passes Away

The NFL lost another young star before his time Thursday morning. Former Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and San Diego Chargers running back Ronnie Hillman has passed away after a battle with renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. He was 31.

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

Hillman's glory years came with the Broncos, where he rushed for 1845 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 431 receiving yards and one touchdown through the air over 48 appearances. His four years with the team coincided with one of its most fruitful periods in franchise history; the Broncos compiled a 50-14 record, won two AFC Championships, and set an NFL record for points scored in a season that still stands today. He even led the 2015 Super Bowl champion Broncos in rushing with 863 yards.

Hillman entered the league as the 67th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. He totalled an impressive 3581 yards from scrimmage and 38 touchdowns in only 26 appearances at San Diego State before joining the Broncos.