Serious injuries seem to be sweeping the NFL community this year. While fans are still reeling from the tragic injury Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin suffered last week, another injury is shaking up the community. Former New York Giants running back Peyton Hillis, best known for being on the cover of the Madden 12 game, was recently injured after heroically saving his kids from drowning on a beach in Florida.
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Hillis was in Pensacola when the incident happened. According to KNWA’s Alyssa Orange, he was helicoptered to the nearest hospital. He is currently in critical condition, with some problems to his kidney and lungs, according to his uncle Greg Hillis. TMZ reports two ambulances were rushed to the scene, and that another adult was also hospitalized. Fortunately, the kids did not need any serious medical attention.
Peyton Hillis’ uncle Greg Hillis took to Facebook to inform fans about the tragic accident. He wrote, “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 the doctors say he is improving.”
Former Arkansas Razorbacks’ RB Peyton Hillis was once on a Madden cover
Peyton Hillis was a seventh-round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 2008 NFL Draft. Ahead of the 2010 season, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, with who he had a breakthrough season. He finished the season with 1,177 rushing yards, with another 477 receiving yards. He also had 13 touchdowns, making this season the highlight of his career.
His performance in 2010 helped him beat heavyweights such as Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick, and Matt Ryan in the race to get featured on the 2012 Madden cover. Unfortunately for him, he was struck by what many call the ‘Madden Curse‘. His performance only went down from there.
Hillis continued to play for another 4 years, and switched teams twice, featuring with the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants, before retiring. In 8 years in the NFL, he played in a total of 81 games.
Hillis has two children and shares them both with his ex-wife Amanda Hills. He is currently dating his co-star from his 2021 movie The Hunting, singer-actor Angela Cole.