Peyton Hillis is as tough a person as it gets, with no event showcasing his strength more than the harrowing swimming accident he rescued his son and niece from. It was a scary moment for everyone involved, particularly for Hillis, who not only had to help his son but also his niece. The process required some tough decisions, and it nearly cost the former running back his life. However, in the end, Hillis emerged as a hero and is doing good and well today.
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Hillis’ story is frightening to recount and is the case of a freak accident in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the important thing to take away is that everyone in the story is doing well and okay. Hillis had a decent stretch with the Cleveland Browns, but nothing in his NFL career will compare to the scare he received from this incident. Hill recently opened up to ABC about the entire incident where he described his thoughts, conflicts, and emotions in more detail.
Peyton Hillis recaps swimming accident in a shocking way
In January of this year, Hillis was taken to an ICU for emergency care after a swimming accident with his son and niece. So, what exactly happened, and why did Hillis need to save the two kids?
Well, the group was out near the Gulf of Mexico where “rip currents” can be very powerful at certain times of the year. Hillis was able to rescue the two children, but he had to be airlifted to an area hospital to treat his lungs and kidney.
Miraculously, everyone survived the incident, but it’s not something Hillis takes lightly. He recalls that he had to save his nephew first because she was further away and would have definitely drowned if Hillis didn’t get to her first. This involved swimming past his son to get to her which was an incredibly painful task to do.
Hillis was placed immediately placed on a ventilator and was sedated. He remained in the ICU for around 2 weeks, regaining consciousness around 10 days in.
The entire story is here as per Dov Kleiman from ABC:
Peyton Hillis: “It is 100% a miracle that somebody didn’t die.” 🙏🙏
Hillis wouldn’t call himself a “Hero”
“So what do you call yourself?”
“I call myself a dad.”(🎥 @GMB) pic.twitter.com/aphMRs2Uts
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 13, 2023
Hillis stays humble in admitting he was no hero, just a father
The incident gave Hillis a new perspective on everything as people all over the country hailed him as a hero for rescuing his kids and nearly dying in the process.
However, Hillis simply doesn’t view it this way, believing that he was just acting as a father. He was asked what he calls himself, and he replied, “I call myself a dad.” It’s a well-put answer, and it speaks to the kind of person Hillis was.
More than his time in the NFL now, Hillis will be remembered for this incredible act. While he doesn’t think he was a hero for such a thing, his bravery definitely saved the life of two children, and it was a very heroic act indeed.
