Former San Diego State standout and Super Bowl 50 champion Ronnie Hillman dies at 31
Hillman given credit for helping "resurrect" Aztec football in 2010 and 2011
(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - After a four-month battle with a rare form of kidney cancer, Ronnie Hillman passed away Wednesday surrounded by his family and close friends.
His family announced just hours earlier that Hillman was diagnosed with the disease in August.
The former running back played five seasons in the NFL, racking up nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns - most notably known as the lead rusher for the 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
After leaving Denver following that Super Bowl season, Hillman's career would come to a close after only playing in eight games between both the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers.
Before the NFL, Hillman broke out as a college star at San Diego State in 2010 and 2011. In just two seasons, the Long Beach native rushed for over 3,200 yards - leading him to being drafted by Denver in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Both the Broncos organization and San Diego State made warming statements on behalf of Hillman, speaking to his quiet intensity on the football field and being a great teammate.
SDSU Athletic Director, John David Wicker, even giving credit to Hillman for helping "resurrect" the program in his two seasons.
