
Former Cleveland Browns star running back Peyton Hillis is reportedly unconscious and in critical condition after valiantly saving his kids from drowning in Florida.
According to the Daily Mail, Hillis was rushed to a hospital after dragging his children out of the water at a Pensacola beach. The 36-year-old retired running back was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.
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
Greg Hillis, a man believed to be Hillis’ uncle, said he is getting better but still in intensive care.
“He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but the doctors say he is improving,” Greg wrote in a Facebook post. “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, who is divorced, is currently dating actress Angela Cole, his co-star in the horror movie “The Hunting.” It is still unclear if Cole and Hillis were together at the beach.
Former NFL RB Peyton Hillis is in critical condition after saving his kids from drowning in an ocean.
Prayers up… 🙏 https://t.co/oMrUBvogV7
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 6, 2023
Hillis’ greatest season was in 2010 when he put up 1,600 total yards and 13 total touchdowns for Cleveland. His performance that year won him a national vote to be the cover athlete for the video game EA Sports Madden 12.
Despite having a breakout season in 2010, he endured a torrid time at Cleveland the following season.
“I was going through real bad depression during that time,” Hillis said of his years in Cleveland. “I was getting help because I couldn’t sleep. I was so upset that everything was going down the way it was and nobody could understand.”
After spells with Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New York Giants, Hillis quit football due to mental issues and depression, according to Bleacher Report.
“After a while, it got too hard,” Hillis said. “I didn’t care as much anymore, I didn’t care to work at it. Football brought me down.”