Peyton Hillis: Ex-NFL star discharged from hospital three weeks after saving his two kids from drowning
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA: Peyton Hillis has been discharged from the hospital nearly three weeks after he rescued his two children from death during a horrific swimming accident. The former NFL running back, 36, had been hospitalized since January 4, when he jumped into deep waters to recuse his son Orry and his young daughter (whose name has not been revealed to the press) from drowning at a Pensacola beach in Florida.
The ex-Browns star was immediately airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Florida, where he was placed on a ventilator with concerning kidney and lung issues. On Friday, January 20, Hillis’ sister, Hayley Davis, shared a positive update on his condition as she revealed that the NFL star had been released from the hospital. “All I can say is GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO US!! Peyton was discharged today from the hospital!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything health-wise is looking good and has all improved— truly a miracle!!” Davis wrote in a Facebook post.
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After an unconscious Hillis was airlifted to the hospital, Davis claimed that her family's "lives were rocked." She remembered seeing her brother "laid out on the sand unable to move" while her mother ran "back and forth" between their children while medics treated them. "God was truly with us that day," She continued. "He guided us and protected us all and I am so thankful for his provision." Davis also thanked all the well-wishers who prayed for Hillis’ speedy recovery. “My family is all so thankful for the prayers and kind words over the past few weeks." she added.
Meanwhile, Hillis' partner, Angela Cole, also shared the same update and posted a happy photo of Hillis with the medical team that cared for him at Baptist Hospital. "The amount of love and gratitude I have for the incredible team that took care of Peyton is indescribable," she wrote. "You all worked like a perfected machine with each and every one of you so kind, attentive, calming and caring."
The positive update came days after the doctor expressed concerns about Hillis’ kidneys. A report by WREG stated that the doctors at Baptist hospital said Hillis is "battling and definitely needs as many prayers as he can get." Following these concerns about his recovery, well-wishers gathered for a prayer vigil in Hillis' home state of Arkansas on Sunday, January 15, to offer their prayers for Hillis' speedy recovery. Chris Ogbonnaya, another former Browns running back, also asked his fans to keep the ex-NFL star in their prayers: "Please keep former teammate Peyton Hillis in your thoughts and prayers" Ogbonnaya wrote on Twitter.
Please keep former teammate Peyton Hillis in your thoughts and prayers. 🤞🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/Qku8eZaOxg
— Chris Ogbonnaya (@ChrisOgbonnaya) January 6, 2023
Hillis started his astonishing career with Denver Broncos and later got traded to the Browns along with a sixth-round pick for backup QB Brady Quinn. Hillis made a name for himself with his performance in the 2010 season with Cleveland, where he put up 1,600 total yards and 13 total touchdowns. His brilliant campaign also earned him a national vote to be the cover athlete for the video game, EA Sports Madden 12.