Peyton Hillis, a former Cleveland Browns running back, was hospitalized after a swimming accident in which he saved his children from drowning.
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Hillis was helicoptered to a nearby hospital after being involved in an accident in Pensacola, Florida. Hillis is still unconscious and in the intensive care unit, according to TMZ. His uncle, Greg Hillis, said on Facebook that his nephew is doing better despite problems with his kidneys and lungs.
“I just wanted everyone to know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better. He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but doctors say he is improving. I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started. I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all the prayers being thrown up on his behalf!!!”
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The former NFL star is well known as the star player for the Cleveland Browns and earned the cover on Madden ’12 for EA Sports. Throughout his career, he scored a total of 13 touchdowns in 2010 and followed up with 3 touchdowns in 2011. In 2008, Hillis was picked as a 7th-round draft pick from Arkansas and played 81 games for eight seasons with the Browns, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants. However, he hasn’t played for the NFL since 2014 and took up a career in acting.
Fans of Hillis send their prayers after learning about his hospitalization
After fans learned the former NFL player was hospitalized after rescuing his children, they sent out their thoughts and prayers while wishing him a speedy recovery. One fan wrote, “Peyton Hillis is a hero.” Another Twitter user said they were close to Hillis’ high school friends and confirmed his condition is improving.
One of his buddies & teammates from high school, showed me a text from family that although he has improved & continuing to do so, he’s still on a vent, as of about an hour ago. His lungs and other organs are still recovering & he has a little ways to go before he’s upgraded.
— Chris Davis (@Corndog1037) January 6, 2023
Certainly sending prayers up for him a complete healing
— 🐗Sooie🐗 (@Soooiie) January 6, 2023
Peyton Hillis is reportedly in critical condition after saving his kids from drowning today.
His kids are okay thankfully.
Prayers for an Arkansas legend 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/UlZkF8Tmu7
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 6, 2023
Prayers up 🙏 to Peyton Hillis, he is in in critical condition after saving his children from drowning in the ocean. The kids are safe but Peyton is dealing with issues to his lungs and organs. He is improving just like Damar. They both got this. 💪 pic.twitter.com/HYxwQffDQp
— 49er_Edits (@49er_edits) January 6, 2023