November 21, 2010; Jacksonville FL, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis (40) during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis has been taken off a ventilator a week after he reportedly rescued family members during a swimming accident, according to a social media post by his girlfriend.
Hillis’ girlfriend, Angela Cole, posted on Instagram on Thursday that Hillis is “on the road to recovery” but added that “he’s still got a ways ahead of him.”
“A hero,” Cole wrote. “So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital. Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery. Please continue to pray for he’s still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference. Today was a good day.”
The 36-year-old has been in the ICU for over two weeks after rescuers pulled him from the water after he saved his two children from drowning in Pensacola, Florida.
After starting his career in Denver, Hillis was traded to Cleveland in 2010, and exploded for 1,177 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns – a spectacular season that landed him on the Madden cover. He retired after the 2014 season.
