Peyton Hillis provides positive health update after suffering lung, kidney damage in swimming accident

Peyton Hillis continues to make positive progress after being hospitalized last month from a swimming accident. On Tuesday, the former Arkansas and NFL player offered an encouraging update on his health via Twitter.

Hillis was released from the hospital last month after suffering lung and kidney damage while saving his two children from drowning. In his tweet, the former running back revealed he expects to make a full recovery.

“I just wanted to come on here and thank people for all the prayers and love y’all have given me,” he wrote. “It’s really made all the difference. I also want to thank my brave sister, mother, sister-in-law, my kids and my girlfriend who has saved my life in more ways than one. Thank you to the amazing staff at the hospital. Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. Y’all were truly amazing and took such great care of me. You made all the difference on my recovery.

“I haven’t taken any interviews on this because I’d like to keep my family out of the public eye because it was a very traumatic time for us. But I did want to come on here and show my appreciation for everyone who helped save my life and for all of your prayers, love and support. I left the hospital with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery. I’m a very lucky and blessed man. Yahweh has really blessed me and I am very thankful.”

Peyton Hillis was unconscious and on a ventilator following the swimming accident, but was taken off the ventilator a little more than a month ago. From the sound of it, he is thankfully doing just fine now.

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. 

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