The family of Peyton Hillis, the ex-NFL star who is fighting for his life in the ICU, gave reporters a heartbreaking update on his condition yesterday.
Hillis has been in critical condition after he saved his kids from drowning in Pensacola, Florida last week.
The former Cleveland Browns star running back “definitely needs as many prayers as he can get,” despite making some minor improvements.
Initially, the lungs and kidneys were the main areas of concern, but sources say the doctors are focusing on his kidneys.
An NFL reporter said: “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.”
Hillis started out in Arkansas before being drafted into the NFL.
There was a prayer vigil for Hillis at an Arkansas high school football stadium Sunday evening.
According to Fox8:
“Hillis was a star running back at Conway High School before signing with the University of Arkansas.
“From there, he was drafted in Round 7 by the Denver Broncos.
“At Arkansas, Hillis played in 44 games and combined with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to give the Razorbacks one of the best running back trios in the history of college football.
“Hillis rushed for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns at Arkansas, caught 1,197 yards and 11 touchdowns in passes, 213 kickoff return yards, and 257 punt returns.
“In the NFL, Hillis played for the Broncos, Cleveland, Kansas City, and the New York Giants.
“He played in 81 games in the NFL with 34 starts.
“He rushed for 2,832 yards and 23 touchdowns and caught 1,050 yards and three touchdowns.”
Peyton’s uncle, Greg, said earlier:
“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.
“I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started.
“I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf.”
Fox News reporter Alyssa Orange said:
“I have confirmed Hillis was in a swimming accident in Pensacola, FL, and helicoptered to the hospital.
“Family asks to please pray for him and a speedy recovery.”
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🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/jrolE6gP4M
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 8, 2023
Peyton Hillis’ uncle posted this on Facebook and @OtisKirk23 brought it to my attention. #WPS pic.twitter.com/jYRvQPGAXF
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) January 6, 2023
Some of my little fans back home helping me get my workout done. http://t.co/6M8EW8r
— Peyton Hillis (@thepeytonhillis) July 14, 2011
