NFL legend Peyton Hillis treated on beach after saving his kids from drowning

06 January 2023 , 21:36

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Peyton Hillis enjoyed two productive seasons with the Cleveland Browns before his career declined (Image: Getty Images)

Former NFL star Peyton Hillis received treatment on a beach and remains in critical condition after he saved his children from drowning in the ocean.

On Wednesday, lifeguards and medical professionals tended to the former Cleveland Browns star running back on the beach while waiting for additional help to arrive. A helicopter and two ambulances rushed to the scene with Hillis being taken to a local hospital in Florida via air.

According to reporter Alyssa Orange, Hillis was in Pensacola, Florida when the worrying incident involving his children happened. Both his children are said to be resting safely and are reportedly healthy.

Hillis - who was on the cover of Madden 12 after a breakout 2010 season - remains in the intensive care unit for treatment on his lungs and kidneys. A man believed to be Hillis' uncle revealed the update in a Facebook post on Thursday night, claiming his nephew was still battling.

The post read: “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 rumours that may be started.

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“I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf!!!”

Peyton Hillis has not played in the NFL since the 2014 season (Getty Images)

In 2010, Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards along with 477 receiving yards as a running back and scored 13 total touchdowns. He followed that sensational year with 717 total yards and three touchdowns in 2011 before he was voted the cover star of Madden 12 cover by fans.

After beginning his career with the Denver Broncos, Hillis was traded to the Browns along with a sixth-round pick for backup quarterback Brady Quinn. Following two successful seasons in Cleveland, he left as a free agent to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs before he concluded his professional career with stints playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants.

A seventh-round draft pick out of Arkansas in the 2008 NFL Draft, the 36-year-old played in 81 games over an eight-year career. He hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2014 campaign, and has since entered the acting realm when he made his debut in the thriller ‘The Hunting’.

Andrew Gamble