Peyton Hillis in Critical Condition After Saving Children From Ocean, per Report

The former NFL running back is reportedly in the ICU following a ‘swimming accident’ in Pensacola, Fla.

Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis is reportedly in critical condition after saving his children from drowning in the ocean off the coast of Florida. 

Hillis, 36, was involved in an apparent “swimming accident” in Pensacola, Fla., and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, according to KNWA Fox24. He was unconscious in the ICU as of Thursday night, according to KNWA’s Alyssa Orange.

Greg Hillis, Peyton’s uncle, posted on Facebook on Thursday that Peyton was improving but remains in intensive care.

“I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better,” Greg Hillis wrote. “He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and his 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 of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf!!!”

Hillis impressed as a versatile fullback at Arkansas from 2004 to ’07, amassing 2,157 total yards and scoring 23 touchdowns with the Razorbacks. His performance led the Broncos to select him in the seventh round of the ’08 NFL draft. 

Hillis would go on to play seven years in the NFL for the Broncos, Browns, Chiefs and Giants. He became best known for his time in Cleveland, where he broke out for 1,654 total yards and 13 touchdowns during the 2010 season. As a result of his showing that year, Hillis landed on the cover of Madden NFL 12, which was released in ’11. 

Hillis retired from the NFL in 2015 after two seasons with New York. He ended his career with 2,832 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, in addition to 1,050 receiving yards and three more scores.