Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis is reportedly in a Florida hospital in critical condition after saving his children from drowning.
As reported by Sidelines Arkansas, Hillis, a four-year player at the University of Arkansas known to be the cover athlete for Madden NFL 12, saved his children from drowning in the water at a Pensacola beach. After he dragged them out, his condition was so bad that he was airlifted to the local medical center.
While it is unclear what exactly happened, the children are said to be safe and in good condition. As for Hillis, he is reportedly improving even though he is still in the ICU.
His uncle, Greg Hillis, posted an update on Thursday saying that the running back is doing better. The older Hillis revealed in the post that while his nephew was doing better, the worst is not over, as he is having trouble with his kidney and lungs.
“He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but the 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 of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf,” he wrote.
Peyton Hillis’ uncle posted this on Facebook and @OtisKirk23 brought it to my attention. #WPS pic.twitter.com/jYRvQPGAXF
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) January 6, 2023
On Friday, a Twitter user shared that a friend of Hillis told them that a family member confirmed that he remains unconscious in the ICU. “One of his buddies & teammates from high school showed me a text from a 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,” the tweet reads.
Friday’s update came from an Arkansas football tweet that stated he has continued to get better. According to the football page, it is “encouraged to learn he’s doing better after his heroic act saving his family,” which the Browns quote tweeted themselves with support.”
Other NFL figures, from ESPN analyst Ryan Clark to Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay have tweeted support for Hillis since the unfortunate incident.
