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Former Super Bowl Champion, NFL running back Ronnie Hillman dies at 31

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•12/22/22•

NikkiChavanelle

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Former San Diego State Aztecs running back and Super Bowl champion Ronnie Hillman passed away on Wednesday after a battle with liver cancer, his family announced. Hillman, drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2012 NFL Draft, died at the age of 31.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, father and brother, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.,” the Hillman family wrote. “Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.”

Doctors diagnosed the former NFL running back with Renal Medullary Carcinoma in August of 2022. His family announced his move into hospice care on Wednesday morning.

Hillman played for four teams during his seven seasons in the league. He started out with the Broncos, winning a Super Bowl in 2015, before going to the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys.

Over 56 games in the NFL, the running back posted 1,976 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, along with 74 receptions for 524 yards and another score.

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In college, Hillman racked up 3,243 rushing yards for the Aztecs over just two seasons. His success in 2010 and 2011 allowed him to declare for the draft, going in the third round at No. 67 overall to Denver.

Hillman was a native of California where he played at La Habra High School.

Franco Harris dies at age 72

Another NFL star passed away this week. Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris died at 72 years old. His cause of death is not public.

Harris’ death came just two days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most famous plays in the history of the NFL. The Steelers were scheduled to retire his No. 32 jersey at halftime of their game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris finished his career with 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s. 

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.