The untimely demise of the former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman turned out to be a big loss for the NFL world. He was just 31, battling a rare form of cancer for the past couple of months. The entire fraternity mourned his loss and showered its love on the veteran. Paying his last respects, Peyton Manning also joined the conversation and recalled his playing days.

In 2012, Ronnie Hillman and Peyton Manning shared the stage wearing the Broncos jerseys together. All their efforts bore fruit in 2015 when Peyton Manning won the second Super Bowl title of his career. Not to mention, the running back played a prominent role in orchestrating the victory.

Fair to say, Hillman holds a special place in The Sheriff’s career, something that he acknowledged remembering the football star. “Rest in peace Ronnie. We joined the Broncos the same year. Honored to be your teammate for four years in Denver. Great player, a great person, great smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Manning wrote in his IG post.

The Internet remembers the iconic duo

These comments took no time to seek the fan attention, who mourned his loss and thanked him for all the contributions he made to the game. “Bronco country can’t catch a break,” said one of the fans.

While another one said that Hillman would have gone to the great Omaha in the sky. “Let us all take the advantage of our reminders to fully live”, “Condolences on your loss, Peyton”, “Gotta feel bad for Peyton fly high”, “I Loved watching you two play together. He was so good” were some of the comments fans shared for Manning and his association with the RB.

Hillman was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma last summer. It happens to be a rare form of cancer usually seen in African Americans. The blood cells change their shape into a sickle form, peculiarly known as “sickle cell trait” in medical terms, something that is incurable; however, treatment helps a lot. His life couldn’t be saved after reports of his worsened condition emerged a few days ago.

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Subsequently, Hillman’s family released an official statement declaring this news to the outside world. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr. Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends. We as the family, appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed.” the statement read.

Ronnie Hillman proved to be an asset for Peyton Manning

Hillman’s career in the NFL happened to be a short one, yet impactful marking his prominence in the Broncos country. He played for six seasons, of which four years were at Denver.

The 2015 season remains a highlighting campaign of his career, leading the team toward the ultimate Super Bowl 50. The San Diego product was the trusted man for Manning, who started for 10 games out of 16 and rushed for 863 yards on 207 carries.

Eventually, the Super Bowl glory became an added achievement to his spectacular season. In the subsequent years, Hillman relocated to Los Angeles, Minnesota, and Dallas staying there for a total of two seasons before calling it a career.

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