Former Broncos RB Hillman dies at 31

Former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, who played on two Super Bowl teams, including the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory, has died after battling cancer. He was 31 years old.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman,” the Broncos said in a statement. “A key contributor to the winningest four-year period in franchise history, Ronnie was part of two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos in rushing during our Super Bowl 50 championship season. Soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity, Ronnie was drafted by the Broncos in 2012 and grew into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate. He will be fondly remembered by our organization, which extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time.”

Hillman was a third-round pick by the Broncos in the 2012 NFL draft.

He finished two seasons at San Diego State with back-to-back 1,500-yard rushing seasons — 1,532 yards as a freshman, 1,711 yards as a sophomore — and a combined 36 touchdowns. He is fifth on the school’s all-time rushing list.

Hillman rushed for only 218 yards in brief action in 2013, and two years later led the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 team in rushing (863 yards) and touchdowns (seven) during the regular season.

He also played five games for the Vikings and three for the Chargers in 2016.