Former La Habra High star running back Ronnie Hillman, whose speed and toughness took him to San Diego State and Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, died Wednesday while in hospice care while battling a rare form of liver cancer, his family announced.
Hillman was 31.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.,” a statement posted to Hillman’s Instagram account read. “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.”
The family of former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman announced in an Instagram post to Hillman’s account that the 31-year-old passed away Wednesday after battling a rare form of cancer. Hillman was a member of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 championship team. Terribly sad news. pic.twitter.com/e78BvwllXd
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 22, 2022
Earlier Wednesday, La Habra football coach Frank Mazzotta confirmed that Hillman was in critical condition.
Mazzotta said Hillman was receiving care in Atlanta for cancer that was throughout his body.
“Ronnie is an amazing young man,” Mazzotta posted on Twitter. “One of my all time favorites! He’s been fighting every day. Please keep Highlander legend @MrHillman2U in your thoughts and prayers.”
Today everyone heard the news. Ronnie is an amazing young man. One of my all time favorites! He’s been fighting every day. Please keep Highlander legend @MrHillman2U in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/wXY4Aq4Job
— Coach Mazzotta LH FB (@LHHighlanders) December 21, 2022
Hillman earned CIF-SS offensive player of the year awards in 2007 and 2008 after leading the Highlanders to titles in the Southeast and Southwest divisions, respectively.
Hillman rushed for 1,532 yards and 17 TDs for San Diego State in 2010. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,711 yards and 19 TDs in 2011.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Hillman declared for the NFL draft in 2012 and was selected in the third round by the Broncos. He played four seasons with Denver.
He was a member of Denver’s 2015 Super Bowl championship team. He posted four 100-yard rushing games that season for the Broncos (12-4), finishing with a career-high 863 yards and seven TDs.
His final season in the NFL was 2016.
Mazzotta called Hillman an “amazing” running back and a “good person.”