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Family gives update on hero former NFL running back who saved his kids

By Updated: CULTURE

The family of former star NFL running back Payton Hillis has provided an update on his condition after a near-drowning incident when he saved his kids earlier this week.

Hillis has been in an ICU on a ventilator after he rushed into action to save his kids from drowning in Pensacola, Fla.



The former Cleveland Browns standout’s girlfriend, singer and actress Angela Cole, took to social media to give concerned Americans some good news about his condition for a change, saying he is “off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery.”

“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,” she wrote.

“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.

“Thank you everyone for your prayers, love and support. Today was a good day.”

Earlier, a sports reporter noted, “Former #NFL RB Peyton Hillis remains in critical condition and in the ICU after saving his kids from drowning Thursday. Hillis was coughing up sand and was put 100% on the ventilator, and his kidney are still not functioning normally. The family asks you all to pray. A hero.”

“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 his lungs but doctors say he is improving,” his uncle, Greg, said on Friday of Hillis, who was a University of Arkansas standout before being drafted into the NFL in 2008.

“Adding to this information, I have confirmed Hillis was in a swimming accident in Pensacola, FL and helicoptered to the hospital. He remains unconscious in the ICU. Family asks to please pray for him and a speedy recovery,” noted KNWA anchor Alyssa Orange in a tweet containing a screengrab of Greg Hillis’ statement.





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