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Former Broncos Running Ronnie Hillman, who helped Peyton Manning win the second Super Bowl title of his career passed away on Wednesday. He was 31. The champ was battling one of the rarest forms of cancer that he was diagnosed with back in August. The tragic news came as an extreme shocker for the fans, who called it the end of an era.

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For the past couple of days, Hillman had been under close watch since the news of his poor health condition got public. However, the veteran couldn’t get any better and finally surrendered to the ultimate reality.

His family released an official statement announcing the world of his departure. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.,” the family said in a statement.

“Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends. We, as a 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.” It reads.

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Hillman spent six seasons in the league after getting selected as a third-round pick out of San Diego State in 2012. The world got to know his prominence during his stint with the Denver Broncos, where he spent the first four years of his short yet impactful career. Hillman became the leading rusher for the team in 2015 and contributed to winning Super Bowl 50.

Peyton Manning led the offensive unit during that period, and Hillman left the mark, starting for 10 out of 16 games. He rushed for 863 yards on 207 carries and eventually slayed the Can Newton-led side. In the subsequent years, Hillman laid his services for the Vikings, Chargers, and Cowboys. Later in 2017, he finally called it a career in hopes of enjoying retirement life.

NFL world mourns the loss of Ronnie Hillman and remembers his contribution to Peyton Manning

Life has been quite unfair to Hillman, especially being diagnosed with one of the rare forms of the disease. It is primarily called Renal Medullary Carcinoma, a type of disease that affects blood showing sickle cell traits. Treatments can help; however, curing it completely isn’t possible.

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As they say, legends never die. Hillman might have left the world, but his legacy shall continue to remain in the hearts of millions. May the noble soul rest in peace.

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