Ronnie Hillman, a former running back for the Broncos, is in hospice care. Family and former teammates shared the news on Tuesday.
Hillman was diagnosed in August with renal medullary carcinoma, a “rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait”, Hillman’s family said in a statement, according to TMZ.
The family said Hillman has been receiving treatment for the illness, but it has not been successful. They said Hillman is being kept comfortable in hospice care.
“As a family, we hope beyond hope, and we have faith that can move mountains,” the family said. “We also understand that God’s will is not always ours; therefore, we as a family subject ourselves to the will of our Almighty God.
“We need your prayers, but we also need your understanding and respect for Ronnie and our family’s privacy at this time.”
Orlando Franklin, who was an offensive lineman in Denver and a teammate of Hillman’s, shared the news earlier in the day.
“#BroncosCountry please pray for Ronnie Hillman he’s in hospice and not doing well,” Franklin tweeted. “Lord please have mercy, please. This is not fair. Please god, please.”
Derek Wolfe, a former defensive end and also a former teammate of Hillman’s, sent his own well wishes.
“He’s got bad liver cancer and he’s in hospice now,” Wolfe said on 104.3 The Fan in Denver on Tuesday. “It’s not looking good. He has pneumonia and I’m putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way.”
Hillman turned 31 in September.
Hillman was drafted in the third round by the Broncos in the 2012 NFL Draft after starring at San Diego State. He played for the Broncos from 2012-15, and appeared in games for the Vikings and Chargers in 2016.
Hillman’s best season came in 2015, as he rushed for 863 yards — at 4.2 yards per carry — and seven touchdowns in the regular season en route to a Super Bowl championship for the Broncos.
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