Former NFL Running Back Peyton Hillis Taken Off Ventilator After Saving Kids From Drowning: Report

Former NFL Peyton Hillis (running back), was reportedly taken off the ventilator he was put on after a swimming accident.

Hillis, 36 was Rushed to the hospital He was in critical condition earlier in the month after his helicopter saved his children drowning in an ocean.

Hillis’ girlfriend, Angela Cole, shared an update on her Instagram account on Thursday, saying that his condition has improved.

“A hero,” She wrote. “So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital. Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery. Please continue to pray for [him] he’s still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference. Today was a good day.”

TMZ Sports took photos of the incident, which showed a helicopter landing on the roadway to respond to a medical emergency.

Hillis was also seen on other photos lying on a backboard at the beach, surrounded by paramedics and lifeguards. According to reports, he was then taken to hospital. Photos appeared to show the first responders taking Hillis near an ambulance, but it’s unclear if he was put in the ambulance.

Hillis was not shown in the photos.

#UPDATETMZ Sports obtained photos of the scene after Peyton Hillis’ swim accident. https://t.co/bCm1DMxGl9

— TMZ (@TMZ) January 6, 2023

Hillis was selected by the University of Arkansas in the 7th round of 2008 NFL Draft.

The 6’2” 250-pound bruising running back had his breakout season in 2010, amassing more than 1,500 yards of total offense and scoring 13 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns.

In 2011, he racked up over 700 yards of offense and three touchdowns. In eight seasons, he was a part of 81 games for the Browns. He also played with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and New York Giants.

Hillis was retired in 2015.

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