Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis’ kidneys are of concern to doctors as he remains in critical condition in a Florida intensive care unit after last week’s swimming accident.
Hillis reportedly saved his two children from drowning on a Pensacola beach on Wednesday, but was flown to a local hospital with lung and kidney damage. Since then, his other issues have improved, while his kidneys remain a concern, according to Memphis-based WREG.com.
WREG’s reporter was told, according to an article on the site, that Hillis “is struggling and definitely needs as much prayer as he can get.” It is unclear who offered the reporter this update.
A prayer vigil was held in Hillis’ home of Arkansas on Sunday. Hillis has volunteered to be an assistant coach on his son’s team. Both this son, Orry, and Hillis’ young daughter, were unharmed in the swimming accident.
Hillis, 36, reportedly saved his two children from possible drowning but ended up in intensive care for treatment of his lungs and kidneys as a result. Both children – Hillis’ son Orry and younger daughter – are safe and did not require hospitalization
A prayer vigil was held in Hillis’ home of Arkansas on Sunday
“One of the great things about being a group of believers is relationships and fellowship and it’s about not only being here to pray for people but also here, it’s here, them at times like this to support,” Hillis football team coach Bryant Davis told CBS affiliate Little Rock.
“It was no surprise to hear that Peyton got into the water behind his kid and got him to safety and that he was fine and that he was risking his life,” Kelsey Eursery, a parent of the team, told CBS. “And at this point we just pray it won’t cost him that.”
“It’s a sacrificial life,” added coach Jordan Wright. “It’s selflessness. It goes out and risks it to save your children. I mean that’s amazing.’
Photos from the crime scene show a helicopter and two ambulances rushing to the scene on Wednesday. Another adult was also taken to the hospital, according to TMZ.
The University of Arkansas, Hillis’ alma mater, issued an update Friday: “Encouraged to learn that he is doing better after his heroic action that saved his family.”
Retired NFL running back Peyton Hillis remains hospitalized after suffering a swimming accident in Florida, where rescue workers airlifted the former Cleveland Browns star off a Pensacola beach, according to newly emerged photos
Hillis’ children are seen with now-ex-wife Amanda during his short tenure in Kansas City
Hillis with his girlfriend Angela Cole, an actress who is not the mother of his children
The Razorbacks aren’t the only ones praising Hillis for his parenting skills.
“What a remarkable father who is making the ultimate sacrifice for his children and praying that he will get better and be there for his children again,” wrote one Twitter user.
“A lot of kids look to their dad as their hero, but the kids of Peyton Hillis can now literally say their dad saved their life,” added another.
Hillis was reportedly unconscious on Wednesday after being flown to a local hospital, where his breathing is now “improving,” according to an ICU update.
A man identified as Hillis’ uncle revealed the update in a Facebook post on Thursday night, adding that his nephew has problems with his lungs and kidneys.
“Just wanted to let everyone on Razorback Nation know that Peyton is doing better,” wrote Greg Hillis. “He’s still in intensive care and has some problems with his kidneys and lungs, but doctors say he’s doing better.”
Former Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya also called on fans to pray for Hillis
A spokesman for the Browns declined to comment, saying the team is waiting for news of Hillis’ condition to be confirmed before doing so.
Former Hillis agent Kennard McGuire did not immediately respond to ‘s request for comment.
Another former Browns running back, Chris Ogbonnaya, took to Twitter to ask fans to pray for his old teammate: “Please keep former teammate Peyton Hillis in your thoughts and prayers.”
Former NFL safetyman Antoine Bethea had a similar post: “Prayers for Peyton Hillis!”
Many online reactions praised Hillis as a good father and a likeable man. One podcaster was particularly fond of his time with Hillis.
“Peyton Hillis is a super good guy,” tweeted a podcaster named Sir Yacht. “An absolute chump, and I mean that in the best possible way. He’s a hero because today he saved his children from drowning. I am praying hard for him and I hope he makes a safe and speedy recovery.
“Guy saved his kids from drowning and is now in the hospital,” wrote one Twitter user. “Speedy recovery for a father who puts his kids first, some people don’t always do that.”
The University of Arkansas, Hillis’ alma mater, issued an update on Friday: “Encouraged to learn that he is doing better after his heroic action that saved his family.”
The former Browns star had been trying his hand at acting in recent years and appeared in the 2021 horror film The Hunting.
He starred in this film alongside actress Angela Cole and the two are now dating.
The film was something of a homecoming for Hillis since it was shot in Mantua, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.
Cole first made their relationship public in a Facebook post on July 6, 2022.
Cole confirmed the relationship in a social media post on July 6, 2022
Cole wrote: “I don’t care what they say about you Peyt. I think you’re pretty awesome. Sometimes someone walks into your life and changes everything. I’m so incredibly grateful for you.’
Hillis appeared to confirm the relationship on his unconfirmed Instagram page in August.
He said, “I mean, the Bahamas was beautiful…but it’s just her,” before adding several heart emojis.”
Hillis divorced his children’s mother, Amanda, in 2020.
After starting his career with the Denver Broncos, Hillis was traded to the Browns for backup QB Brady Quinn along with a pick in the sixth round.
In four years at the University of Arkansas, Hillis totaled 960 rushing yards and 1,197 receiving yards while scoring 23 touchdowns.
Hillis is best known for his 2010 season with Cleveland, which included 1,600 yards and 13 total touchdowns. As a result of this campaign, he won a national vote to become the cover athlete for the EA Sports Madden 12 video game.
Hillis’ spectacular 2010 season led to fans choosing him to cover EA Sports’ Madden 12
After two seasons in Cleveland, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent.
He ended his pro career with stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants.
Hillis retired in 2015 at his doctor’s request due to a history of concussions.
He spoke to Bleacher Report in 2015 about his open struggles with mental health and depression when he decided to leave the game he loved.
“I had a really bad depression during that time,” he said, specifically of his years in Cleveland. “I got help because I couldn’t sleep, I was so upset that everything was going the way it was and no one could understand.
Commenting on his decision to retire, he said: “After a while it got too hard. It wasn’t that important to me anymore, I didn’t want to work on it. Football got me down. I still love the game and I still have a lot of friends in the game, but when it comes to NFL football, my heart just isn’t in it anymore.