By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Sports San Diego has inducted the late Ronnie Hillman (San Diego State University) into the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame for his performance in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl
Hillman was inducted as the 37th member of the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame at the annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Directors Dinner on December 11.
Hillman, who passed away in 2022 after battling kidney cancer, was recognized and inducted by Brady Hoke, his head football coach at San Diego State University.
In the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl, Hillman led San Diego State to a victory over Navy 35-14. He set a bowl record with 228 rushing yards, tied the record of three rushing touchdowns, and also caught a touchdown pass en route to winning the Offensive MVP honors.
Hillman, a member of the Denver Broncos 2016 Super Bowl team, was a third-round draft choice. He played five seasons in the NFL with Denver, Minnesota, and San Diego.
“We’re excited to induct Ronnie into the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame,” said Mark Neville, Sports San Diego CEO. “He had an amazing performance in front of a home crowd here in San Diego, and one that was emblematic of the offensive explosions the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowl games are known for each year.”
“I certainly wish Ronnie was alive to accept this honor. He’s had such a tremendous impact on our team that season and the win over Navy was spectacular,” said Brady Hoke, his head coach at SDSU. “It was a magical night. Ronnie was the most dominant player on the field. I miss his smile and energy and he will be an Aztec For Life.”
This year’s DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will be played on December 27 at 5 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium, featuring Syracuse versus Washington State.
