Manning, Franklin, Wolfe and other Broncos say goodbye to Ronnie Hillman

Several former Broncos teammates of the late Ronnie Hillman said their goodbyes today.

Hillman’s celebration of life took place in Inglewood, California after he passed away from a rare and aggressive form of cancer in December. He was just 31-years-old at the time of his death.

The leading rusher for Denver’s Super Bowl 50 team, Hillman was well liked and respected by his ex-teammates. According to 104.3 The Fan and 9NEWS insider Mike Klis, Broncos CEO Greg Penner provided a private plane for many former Denver stars to travel out West and pay their final respects.

Peyton Manning posted a photo on Instagram of the group on Thursday afternoon.

 

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A post shared by Peyton Manning (@peytonmanning)

“Broncos Family paying our final respects today to our teammate and brother Ronnie Hillman. Rest in Peace Ronnie,” Manning wrote.

From left to right in that picture is WR Emmanuel Sanders, DL Derek Wolfe, OL Ryan Harris, QB Peyton Manning, OL Orlando Franklin, TE Joel Dreessen, K Brandon McManus and player development vice president Ray Jackson. Wolfe and Franklin currently work for Denver Sports and 104.3 The Fan as radio hosts.

Hillman joined the Broncos as a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. In his four seasons as a Bronco, he was known for having breakaway capability. But until his last season, he struggled to find a place in the lineup, thanks to injuries and the presence of other running backs.

But in 2015, the Broncos found a one-two punch that worked. Hillman and C.J. Anderson shared the rushing load. Hillman led the Broncos with 863 rushing yards that season; Anderson had 720. Together, they helped keep the Broncos’ offense afloat as the passing game struggled at times to find its rhythm.

Four of Hillman’s six career 100-yard rushing games came en route to Super Bowl 50, including a 117-yard performance in the regular-season finale.

Hillman is the second member of that Super Bowl team to pass away far too early, as the late, great Demaryius Thomas died in Dec. of 2021.

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