Ex-NFL Star Peyton Hillis Gets Happy Ending After Saving Kids From Drowning And Almost Dying: “I just wanted to come on here and thank everyone for all the prayers and love y’all have given me, I should make a 100% recovery”
Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis broke his silence in a social media post thanking everyone for all the prayers and love as he fought for his life in a Florida hospital.
Hillis was hospitalized and near death after his two children from drowning in a swimming accident in Pensacola, Fla., in January. He said: “I just wanted to come on here and thank everyone for all the prayers and love y’all have given me. It’s really made all the difference.
“I also want to take 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 Pensacola. Y’all were truly amazing and took such great care of me.
Thank you for all your love and prayers🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/VnrCmKWjlN
— Peyton Hillis (@thepeytonhillis) February 21, 2023
“You made all the difference in 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 out here and show my appreciation for everyone who helped save my life and for all of your prayers and love and support.
“I left the hospital with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery.
“I am a very lucky and blessed man. Yahweh has really blessed me and I am very thankful.”
According to SI:
At the time of the incident, the 37-year-old had to be transported by helicopter to the ICU. He was placed on a ventilator while dealing with issues to his kidneys.
The ex-NFL running back spent time with the Broncos, Browns, Giants and Chiefs during his seven-year pro career, which spanned from 2008-14.
Hillis landed on the cover of the popular EA football video game Madden for the 2012 edition after placing first in a vote by fans.
He last played in an NFL game in 2014 for the Giants, appearing in nine games that season.