Peyton Manning had a fairytale ending to his NFL career. After two Super Bowl rings, there was nothing much left to wish for the older Manning brother, except for the good health of his Super Bowl-winning compatriots. One of them is battling cancer and fans poured in their heartfelt prayers and wishes.

Former Super Bowl-winning Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman shocked the entire world when news about his fight with liver cancer became public. Former Denver Broncos OL Orlando Franklin was the first to divulge the news.

The 31-year-old’s unfortunate turn of events at an unprecedentedly young age has shocked the entire NFL community.

Another former teammate Derek Wolfe reiterated the “bad liver cancer” news on the 104.3 The Fan radio channel. He said, “It’s not looking good. He has pneumonia and I’m putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way.”

Hillman’s family released the official statement about his illness and treatment: “As a family, we hope beyond hope, and we have faith that can move mountains. We also understand that God’s will is not always ours; therefore, we as a family subject ourselves to the will of our Almighty God.”

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Hillman was a major catalyst in the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 run. He had a combined 1000+ yards season and 7 touchdowns in the Broncos’ Super Bowl-winning campaign.

Peyton Manning could be worried more because it’s a rare form of cancer

The 1998 NFL Draft’s first pick, Peyton Manning, imagined a way more decorated career if not for a freak neck injury. Manning conquered the Super Bowl peak when he won his first ring with his Indianapolis Colts. However, that second championship was on hold for nine years, allowing younger brother Eli Manning to sneak in two of his Super Bowl rings against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Peyton managed to get his second ring once competent offensive forces joined him at Denver. Namely, Ronnie Hillman.

Hillman’s cancer cannot be sitting well with Manning, especially because of its malignancy.

Ronnie Hillman is being treated for renal medullary carcinoma. This type of cancer is particular to men of African-American origin. It is a “rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer” that finds its place in the young black community, especially the ones with sickle cell trait.

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Unfortunately, both of Peyton’s teams have been relegated from the playoff race this year. The Colts and the Denver Broncos had pretty disappointing campaigns despite the Broncos bringing in Seahawks Super Bowl champion QB Russell Wilson.

Update: Ronnie Hillman passed away on December 21, 2022.