Former Cleveland Browns star running back Peyton Hillis is in an intensive care unit after being involved in a swimming accident, according to reports.
KNWA anchor Alyssa Orange reported on Thursday night that Hills was in a swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida, and taken to a hospital via helicopter. Orange says that Hillis is unconscious in the intensive care unit.
TMZ Sports reports “he saved his kids from drowning.”
Orange also shared a Facebook post that she says was written by Hillis’ uncle, Greg.
“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. 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!” Greg Hillis wrote on Facebook Thursday night.
Hillis, 36, played in the NFL from 2008 to 2014. He was a seventh-round pick by the Denver Broncos and spent his first two seasons with them. He then spent two seasons with the Browns, with whom he broke out.
Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010 with Cleveland. He added 61 catches for 477 yards and two touchdowns. Hillis led the Browns in rushing in both of his seasons with the team. He spent one season in Kansas City and the last two campaigns of his career with the New York Giants. He finished his NFL career with 2,832 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.
Prior to being drafted, Hillis played college ball at Arkansas from 2004 to 2007. His final three seasons, he was one of the running backs on a Razorbacks team that also featured Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, giving them three future NFL running backs.
