Peyton Hillis is no longer breathing on a ventilator and is “on the road to recovery” after last week’s swimming accident, his girlfriend revealed.
The former NFL running back reportedly saved his two children from drowning on a beach in Pensacola, Fla. on Wednesday, but was flown to a local hospital with lung and kidney damage.
Doctors expressed concerns about his kidneys earlier this week, Memphis-based WREG.com reported.
Peyton Hillis is no longer breathing on a ventilator and is “on the road to recovery” after last week’s swimming accident, his girlfriend revealed
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
But Hillis’ partner Angela Cole has given a positive update on his progress.
Alongside a role of the couple, who have been a couple for about two years, she wrote on her Instagram profile: “A hero. So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for the family and this incredible hospital.
“Peyton is off the ventilator and on the road to recovery. Please keep praying for him, he still has a way to go but thank you for all your prayers and love and support so far.
Hillis’ partner Angela Cole gave a positive update on his progress on Wednesday
Hillis is hospitalized after a swimming accident in Florida, where rescue workers flew the ex-NFL star off a Pensacola beach
“That really makes the difference. Today was a good day.’
Well-wishers came to a prayer vigil in Hillis’ home of Arkansas last Sunday and offered their support to the former NFL star.
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.
Crime scene pictures from Jan. 4 showed a helicopter and two ambulances at the incident, and 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.”
Well-wishers came to a prayer vigil in Hillis’ home of Arkansas last Sunday to show their support
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.”
Hillis was reportedly unconscious last Wednesday after being flown to a local hospital and taken to intensive care.
A man identified as Hillis’ uncle revealed the update in a Facebook post last 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 Browns star Hillis had been trying his hand at acting in recent years, appearing in the 2021 horror film The Hunting.
Hillis’ children are seen with now-ex-wife Amanda during his short tenure in Kansas City
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. 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