Peyton Hillis, the former Arkansas and NFL running back, has had a tumultuous few weeks after a swimming accident left him in the hospital with organ damage. After a lengthy hospital stay, Hillis is finally on the road to recovery and recently announced that he expects to make a “100% recovery.”
The accident occurred on Jan. 4 when Hillis was swimming off Pensacola Beach, Florida. According to an Escambia County Fire Rescue incident report, lifeguards and firefighters used a jet ski to bring Hillis to shore. Hillis was then airlifted to a nearby hospital and placed in the intensive care unit.
On Jan. 11, Hillis’ girlfriend Angela Cole wrote on Instagram that he had been taken off a ventilator and was making progress. Nine days later, he was discharged from Baptist Hospital. Cole posted a picture of Hillis smiling while surrounded by caregivers, expressing her “love and gratitude” for the medical team.
On Tuesday, Hillis publicly shared his recovery news for the first time with a statement on social media. He thanked his caregivers, family and fans for their support.
“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,” Hillis wrote on Twitter. “But I did want to come on 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.”
The accident came after a successful NFL career for Hillis. After being selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 draft, Hillis was traded to the Cleveland Browns in a deal to acquire quarterback Brady Quinn. In 2010, he tallied 1,177 rushing yards, 477 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns, becoming the Madden NFL 12 cover star.
Since retiring, Hillis has been acting in independent films. Most recently, he starred in the 2021 horror movie “The Hunting” alongside Cole.
Hillis’ swimming accident was a scary situation, but thankfully he is now back on the road to recovery. Fans everywhere are wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
