Super Bowl winner Ronnie Hillman has died of cancer aged 31.
After being drafted in 2012, running back Hillman was the Denver Broncos’ leading running back in the 2015 season in which they were crowned Super Bowl 50 champions.
He was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer – renal medullary carcinoma – in August, but died on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Broncos said they were “deeply saddened” by Hillman’s “untimely passing”.
“A key contributor during the winningest four-year streak in franchise history, Ronnie was on two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos to a rush in our Super Bowl 50 championship season.
“Softly spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity, Ronnie was drafted by the Broncos in 2012 and has grown into a dynamic player and highly respected teammate.
“Ronnie will be remembered as our organization sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time.”
Hillman also played for the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers, and in his five seasons in the National Football League (NFL), rushed 494 for 1,976 yards, 12 touchdowns and 534 other receptions.
During the Broncos’ championship-winning season, he posted a team-best 863 rushing yards.
