Peyton Hillis, a former NFL running back, is reportedly experiencing kidney problems and is still in the hospital following a swimming accident on Wednesday in Pensacola, Florida.
Hillis, who reportedly saved his two children from drowning at the beach and was taken to a nearby hospital, has made only slight gains, but his kidneys are a major concern, according to Memphis’ WREG.com. Hillis, 36, reportedly suffered lung damage as a result of the incident.
Alyssa Orange, a Fox24 anchor who covers the Arkansas Razorbacks, shared the same report with KNWA. Hillis is still unconscious in the ICU and is on a ventilator, according to Orange’s report from Thursday.
On that day, Greg Hillis, Hillis’ uncle, posted the following statement in Facebook: “I just wanted to let everyone on Razorback Nation know that Peyton is doing better. Although he is still in intensive care and is having some kidney and lung issues, the doctors say he is improving.
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On Friday, the University of Arkansas, Hillis’ alma mater, tweeted that he was “doing better after his heroic act saving his family.”
Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears, two ex-NFL players who currently work as ESPN analysts, tweeted their support for Hillis and shared a report claiming that Hillis’ kidneys were not functioning properly.
Shiloh Christian’s football stadium hosted a prayer vigil for Hillis on Sunday in his home state of Arkansas.
Lifeguards and other medical staff can be seen attending to Hillis on the beach in pictures taken during the incident. After two ambulances and a helicopter arrived on the scene, the helicopter dropped Hillis off at a nearby hospital before taking off again.
Hillis divorced Amanda Hillis in 2020, and the couple now has two children together.
According to rumors, the former NFL player is dating singer-actress Angela Cole, with whom he co-starred in the independent thriller “The Hunting” in 2021.
According to images Willis posted to Instagram last month, the two spent Christmas together. In 2021, the couple co-hosted the American Advertising Federation Awards.
Hillis spent two seasons with the Broncos after being selected in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He then played for the Browns, Chiefs, and Giants. He retired when the Giants released him in the 2015 offseason.
»NFL player suffers kidney failure after rescuing kids from drowning«