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Former NFL, Arkansas RB Peyton Hillis discharged from hospital after saving his children from drowning

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•01/21/23•

AndrewEdGraham

Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 08: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sideline before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 14-3. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Former NFL and Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis was released from the hospital on Saturday following a lengthy stay in the intensive care unit and then recovering. He had been hospitalized after saving his children from drowning.

He had been in the hospital since Jan. 5, a more than two-week stay. According to a number of reports, Hillis was in critical condition and the prognosis was dire at times. He was also at one point on a ventilator to support his breathing.

Angela Cole, Hillis’ girlfriend, announced on Jan. 12 that he was off the ventilator. After a week in the hospital, he was on the “road to recovery,” she said.

Now, nine days after that, Hillis will be back home with Cole and his kids.

Cole said Hillis was taken off the ventilator on Jan. 12

A fantastic update on Peyton Hillis has been provided, as the former NFL and Arkansas running back deals with the after-effects of a heroic act where he saved his two children from drowning.

Hillis’ girlfriend — singer and actress Angela Cole, who the former Razorbacks star has been dating since at least 2021 per TMZ Sports — took to Instagram to provide incredible news for the football world as a whole. Hillis is off the ventilator, and he’s “on the road to recovery” following the event.

“A hero. So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital. Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery,” wrote Cole. “Please continue to pray for he’s still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference. Today was a good day.”

Moreover, had been battling with kidney issues in the days since, which was said to be a “great concern” to doctors caring for him. 

In the days after, Hillis has been regarded as a hero, and rightfully so, as he saved his two children. In addition to the kidney issues he’s been dealing with, he also suffered lung damage, according to reports.

Last Friday, The New York Post posted some dramatic photos of the incident from TMZ Sports. 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.