Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis is still in intensive care after rescuing his kids from drowning.
His uncle, Greg Hillis, has now shared some updates in a Facebook post.
Former Arkansas Razorbacks and Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis has been fighting for his life since last week. The heroic former NFL star was involved in a serious swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida, on Jan. 5.
According to Alyssa Orange of KNWA, Hillis was rescuing his children from drowning. Lifeguards and medical personnel treated Hillis on the beach while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The former running back was later helicoptered from the scene to a nearby hospital.
Hillis paid a heavy price for his heroic act. He suffered injuries to his lungs and kidneys – the 36-year-old was also unconscious when he was put on intensive care. According to reports, Hillis’ kids didn’t require medical attention.
After the incident, there were various rumors of Hillis’s health status spreading on social media. But on Friday last week, Arkansas football tweeted some positive news:
”Thinking about our man @thepeytonhillis. Encouraged to learn he’s doing better after his heroic act saving his family.”
Shortly after that, Hilli’s uncle, Greg, took to Facebook to share an optimistic sentiment. According to Greg, Peyton is steadily improving – although he remains unconscious and in intensive care.
“I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better. He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and his lungs but the doctors say he is improving,” Peyton’s uncle wrote.
“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 thrown up on his behalf!!!”
As reported by the Pig Trail Nation Arkansas Razorback News, Hillis has made some minor improvement in some areas, ”but as of Sunday morning prayers were asked for as some additional issues with his kidneys is cause for concern.”
An Arkansas native, Willis is a proud father of two children. According to TMZ, he shares one son and one daughter with his ex-wife Amanda Hillis.
The co-parents tied the knot in October 2011, but then officially divorced in 2020.
“I probably should have waited for my marriage, there’s no doubt about it,” has said.
Currently, Peyton appears to be in a relationship with actress Angela Cole.
Last summer, she shared a picture of her and Peyton, writing:
“I don’t care what they say about ya, Peyt. I think you’re pretty great.”
She added: “Sometimes there’s someone that comes into your life and changes everything. I’m so incredibly grateful for you.”
Due to the number of head injuries he had sustained, Peyton was forced to retire from the NFL in 2015.
He represented the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Giants throughout his successful career. Many people also recognized him for being on the cover of the massively popular video game EA Sports’ Madden in 2012.
Sending prayers to this young man for a full and speedy recovery. We hope he has a wonderful team of doctors and nurses, and can have the same outcome as Damar Hamlin.