Former NFL Running Back in Critical Condition Following Swimming Incident

The NFL has another tragedy on its hands, this time with a memorable former player. Running back Peyton Hillis, the one-time Cleveland Brown and Madden cover athlete, is in critical condition after saving his children from drowning off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.

Adding to this information, I have confirmed Hillis was in a swimming accident in Pensacola, FL and helicoptered to the hospital. He remains unconscious in the ICU.

Family asks to please pray for him and a speedy recovery. https://t.co/bHWdZpJeXq
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) January 6, 2023

Hillis endeared himself to football fans everywhere as a powerful and punishing back for the Browns in 2010 when he rushed for 1177 yards and 11 touchdowns across 15 games. The star running back was so popular he became the unlikely winner of a fan vote to end up on the cover of the blockbuster video game franchise Madden's 2012 edition.

Hillis is one of the few fond memories from an incredibly lean period in Browns history that included 12 straight losing seasons and an incredibly rare winless season in 2017. Hopefully, his family will see the outpouring of love and support that NFL fans have shown themselves capable of in the wake of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's recent ordeal.