Update on Peyton Hillis after heroic, life-saving actions sent former star to ICU

Arkansas Razorback fans got some great news on Friday regarding on of their most beloved former football stars, fullback Peyton Hillis. The Razorbacks Football Twitter account tweeted on Friday that Hillis is “doing better” as he remains hospitalized following a swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida on Wednesday.

Check out the tweet below.

Thinking about our man @thepeytonhillis. Encouraged to learn he's doing better after his heroic act saving his family.

🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/owUjOU3zFN

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) January 6, 2023

Initial reports on Thursday evening indicated that Hillis was in Southern Mississippi, not Florida.

The 36-year-old reportedly still remains unconscious and in intensive care after saving his two kids from drowning at the beach. Both of his kids are fine. The New York Post posted some dramatic photos of the incident from TMZ Sports on Friday afternoon. Lifeguards and medics attended to him on the beach. Other photos showed lifeguard trucks near the ocean with people surrounding a stretcher carrying Hillis.

A helicopter and ambulance eventually arrived at the scene, with the helicopter landing on the road before taking Hillis to a local hospital, according to TMZ.

Alyssa Orange of KNWA FOX24 posted the following update on Hillis that his uncle, Greg Hillis, posted to Facebook on Thursday evening.

Peyton Hillis’ uncle posted this on Facebook and @OtisKirk23 brought it to my attention. #WPS pic.twitter.com/jYRvQPGAXF

— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) January 6, 2023

He wrote, “I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better. He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but the doctors say he is improving. I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started. I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf!!!”

Peyton Hillis was part of one of the greatest backfields in college football history during his time with the Razorbacks

Hillis formed one of the greatest backfield trios in college football history when he teamed up with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones during his time with the Arkansas Razorbacks. A dynamic receiver during his time with the Hogs, Hillis hauled in 118 catches for 1,195 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. As a runner, he ran 203 times for 959 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

McFadden and Jones may have gotten more of the glory, but there’s no disputing Hillis’ instrumental role in blocking for both players. His 118 catches broke Gary Anderson’s career record for receptions by a running back. Hillis also set the school single-season mark for receiving yardage in 2007 after he hauled in 537 receiving yards.

Hillis spent seven years in the National Football League, but his career was shortened due to concussions and medical concerns. He decided to retire in 2015, after listening to advice from his doctors.

His best season came with the Cleveland Browns in 2010–when he racked up over 1,600 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns. Hillis was even named the cover boy for Madden Football in 2012–one of the most popular NFL video games of all-time. Being on the cover of Madden was without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of his career.

He played his high school football for Conway High School in Conway, Arkansas. According to the On3 Consensus Rankings, Hillis was rated as the No. 13 running back in the country in the 2004 recruiting cycle.