Peyton Hillis' girlfriend says former Arkansas, NFL star is off ventilator, on 'road to recovery'

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.

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.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.