sport news Peyton Hillis' kidneys 'are a concern for doctors' as a prayer vigil is held ... trends now
Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis' kidneys have become concern for doctors as he remains in critical condition at a Florida intensive care following last week's swimming accident.
Hillis reportedly rescued his two children from drowning at a Pensacola beach on Wednesday, but was airlifted to a local hospital with lung and kidney damage as a result. Since then, the other issues have improved, while his kidneys remain a concern, according to Memphis' WREG.com.
WREG's reporter was told that Hillis is 'battling and definitely needs as many prayers as he can get,' according to an article on the website. It's unclear who offered that update to the reporter.
A prayer vigil was held in Hillis' native Arkansas on Sunday. Hillis has been volunteering as an assistant coach on his son's team. Both that son, Orry, and Hillis' young daughter were uninjured in the swimming accident.
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
'One of the great things about being a body of believers is relationship and community, and it's about being not only here to pray for people, but it's also here, it's also to be here to support them through times like this,' Bryant Davis, coach of the Hillis' football team, told Little Rock's CBS affiliate.
'It was not a surprise to hear that Peyton went in the water after his child and that he got him to safety and that he was fine, and that he risked his life,' one team parent, Kelsey Eursery, told CBS. 'And at this point, we're just praying that that's not what it's going to cost him.'
'That's sacrificial living,' added coach Jordan Wright. 'That's selflessness. It's going out and risking it to save your kids. I mean, that's amazing.'
Photographs from the scene 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.'
Hillis' children are seen with his now-ex-wife, Amanda, during his short tenure in Kansas City
Hillis pictured with girlfriend Angela Cole, an actress, who is not the mother of his children
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 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
