sport news Ex-NFL star Peyton Hillis is seen being rescued and airlifted to the hospital ... trends now
Retired NFL running back Peyton Hillis remains hospitalized after a swimming accident in Florida, where emergency responders airlifted the former Cleveland Browns star from a Pensacola beach, as seen in newly surfaced photographs.
The 36-year-old Hillis reportedly saved both his children from potentially drowning, but ended up in intensive care for treatment on his lungs and kidneys as a result. Both children – Hillis' son, Orry, and his younger daughter – are safe and neither needed to be hospitalized.
Photographs show a helicopter and two ambulances rushing to the scene on Wednesday. Another adult was also rushed to the hospital, according to TMZ.
The University of Arkansas, Hillis' alma mater, released an update Friday: 'Encouraged to learn he's doing better after his heroic act saving his family.'
Retired NFL running back Peyton Hillis remains hospitalized after a swimming accident in Florida, where emergency responders airlifted the former Cleveland Browns star from a Pensacola beach, as seen in newly surfaced photographs
The 36-year-old Hillis reportedly saved both his children from potentially drowning, but ended up in intensive care for treatment on his lungs and kidneys as a result. Both children – Hillis' son, Orry, and his younger daughter – are safe and neither needed to be hospitalized
The Razorbacks aren't the only ones praising Hillis for his parenting skills.
'What a remarkable dad doing the ultimate sacrifice for his kids and praying he gets better and be there again for his kids,' wrote one Twitter user.
'Many kids think of their dad as their hero, but Peyton Hillis' kids can now literally say their dad saved their life,' added another.
Hillis was reportedly unconscious on Wednesday after being airlifted to a local hospital, where his breathing is now 'improving' in the intensive care unit, according to an update.
A chaotic scene at a Pensacola beach is pictured, in which Peyton Hillis was rescued following a swimming accident on Wednesday
A man identified as Hillis' uncle revealed the update in a Facebook post on Thursday night, adding that his nephew was having trouble with his lungs and kidneys.
'I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better,' Greg Hillis wrote. 'He's still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and his lungs but the doctors say he is improving.'
A Browns spokesperson declined to comment, saying the team was waiting for news of Hillis' condition to be confirmed before doing so.
Hillis former agent, Kennard McGuire, did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
Chris Ogbonnaya, another former Browns running back, asked fans on Twitter to pray for his old teammate: 'Please keep former teammate Peyton Hillis in your thoughts and prayers.'
Former NFL safety Antoine Bethea had a similar post: 'Prayers for Peyton Hillis!!'
Photographs show a helicopter and two ambulances rushing to the scene on Wednesday. Another adult was also rushed
