Mile High Huddle

Report: Ex-Broncos RB Peyton Hillis in ICU After 'Swimming Accident'

Prayers up.

Zack Kelberman

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Former Denver Broncos running back Peyton Hillis was hospitalized Thursday in critical condition after saving his children from drowning in a Florida "swimming accident," TMZ reported.

Per Alyssa Orange of KNWA FOX24, the accident occurred in Pensacola, FL., and Hillis was lifeflighted to the hospital where the soon-to-be 37-year-old, as of Thursday evening, remained unconscious in the intensive care unit.

Hillis' kids reportedly are "safe and healthy."

"I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better," his uncle, Greg Hillis, wrote on Facebook. "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!!!"

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A 2008 seventh-round pick out of Arkansas, Hillis spent his first two NFL campaigns in Denver, compiling 595 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns across 26 appearances, including eight starts. He also played for the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Giants.

Hillis, who retired in 2015 due to health concerns, finished his professional career with more than 2,800 rushing yards and 23 ground TDs. His best season came in Cleveland in 2010, when the 6-foot-1, 250-pound bruiser esclipsed 1,600 all-purpose yards and 13 total scores, eventually gracing the fan-voted cover of Madden 12.

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Zack Kelberman
ZACK KELBERMAN

Zack Kelberman is the Senior Editor for Mile High Huddle. He has covered the NFL for more than a decade and the Denver Broncos since 2016. He's also the co-host of the wildly popular Broncos show the Mile High Huddle Podcast.

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