Concerns heightened for former Arkansas, NFL star Peyton Hillis, who remains in ICU following heroic act

Former NFL and Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis remains in critical condition following a swimming accident on Jan. 5, according to a report from WREG in Memphis. Hillis is continuing to deal with kidney issues, which is said to be a “great concern” to doctors caring for him.

The incident occurred as Hillis saved his two children from drowning. In addition to the kidney issues, he also suffered lung damage and is reportedly on a ventilator and unconscious in the ICU.

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.

A native of Conway, Arkansas, Hillis played fullback for the Razorbacks from 2004-07 and was a teammate of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. He finished his career in Fayetteville with 959 yards rushing, 118 receptions, 1,195 yards receiving and 23 total touchdowns.

Following his college career, Hillis was a seventh round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft to the Denver Broncos. He went on to enjoy a seven-year pro career, playing for the Broncos, Browns, Chiefs, Buccaneers and Giants.

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 athlete 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.

Hillis officially retired from the NFL in 2015, finishing his career with 3,882 all-purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns.