The first week of the new year has been a rocky one for the entire NFL community. The Damar Hamlin tragedy, former Jaguar Uche Nwaneri passing away at 38, and now former running back, Peyton Hillis, is fighting for his life after displaying supreme heroics and saving his children.

The former Cleveland Browns RB had a swimming accident after rescuing his kids from drowning in the ocean. Peyton Hillis had to be rushed to the local hospital in Pensacola, Florida where the accident happened. Hillis is in critical condition. However, his kids are safe and in good health.

Peyton has damaged lungs and kidneys from the tragic incident

Lifeguards, helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene of the accident, according to TMZ reports. Peyton is still in the intensive care unit due to the damage sustained to his lungs and kidneys. However, some positive reports have since come.

Doctors have stated that Hillis is recovering steadily, according to Peyton’s uncle, Greg Hillis.

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“I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better. Just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started. I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all the prayers thrown up on his behalf,” Greg Hillis wrote on Facebook.

Peyton was exhaling sand while breathing and coughing and had to be on full ventilator support. Fans laid in their prayers for the former NFL star.

Peyton Hillis was once a Madden Cover Star

The running back spent seven years in the NFL with the Browns, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants.

Denver drafted him in the seventh round in the 2008 NFL draft from Arkansas. The 36-year-old played 81 games in the league and retired after the 2014 season when the Giants released him.

In his short span in the top flight, Peyton rushed for 2832 yards and also had 1050 receiving yards. This also included 26 total touchdowns. However, his career highlights came to Cleveland in the 2010 season. Hillis ran the ball for 1177 yards in 270 carries scoring 11 touchdowns.

The Brown also had 477 receiving yards from catching 611 passes and recording 2 receiving touchdowns that season. And this earned him the honour of the Cover Athlete in the Madden ’12 video game.

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After retiring, Hillis has also been part of an indie thriller movie called ‘The Hunting’. However, right now, the entire sporting world prays for Peyton’s safe return home to his family.