ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 19: Peyton Hillis #33 of the New York Giants warming up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 19, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis is reportedly in critical condition after saving his kids from drowning, TMZ reports.
According to the report, Peyton remains in the intensive care unit for treatment on his lungs and kidney however doctors say his health is improving, according to his uncle, Greg Hillis.
Fox 24 reporter Alyssa Orange tweeted that Peyton Hillis was in Pensacola when the accident happened. He was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital where he remains unconscious in the ICU (intensive care unit) as of Friday morning.
Hillis’ uncle has since posted on Facebook that his nephew’s condition was improving, writing “I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started.”
“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 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 thrown up on his behalf!!!”
The 36-year-old, who played seven seasons in the NFL from 2008 to 2014, played for the Broncos, Browns, Chiefs and Giants after being drafted out of Arkansas by Denver.
Hillis had his career-best season in 2010 with Cleveland, carrying the ball 270 times for 1,1177 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also was good for 611 caught passes for a total of 477 yards and two touchdowns that season.
His breakout 2010 year even earned him the cover for the “Madden ’12” video game.
In terms of career total, Hillis had 2,832 rushing yards with an average of 4.1 yards per carry, alongside 1,050 receiving yards and a total of 26 touchdowns.
In 2015, he was released by the Giants in the offseason before retiring.
The news comes just days after another NFL health scare, after Damar Hamlin collapsed mid-game on Monday, The Shade Room reported earlier this week.
As of Thursday, Hamlin is reportedly awake and has been holding hands with his family in the hospital, his agent tells CNN. The Buffalo Bills player had been in a medically-induced coma at the hospital ever since the 24-year-old’s in-game cardiac arrest.
His agent Ron Butler broke the news Thursday, with one of Hamlin’s teammates, Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, adding he’s also “showing more signs of improvement.”
“Our boy is doing better, awake and showing more signs of improvement. Thank you God,” Elam tweeted Thursday morning.
The Bills’ tweeted that Hamlin improved remarkably in the last day and appears to be “neurologically intact.”
