Peyton Hillis, a former NFL running back, has been hospitalized after reportedly saving his kids from drowning during a swimming accident.

The former Cleveland Browns player was in Florida's Pensacola when the incident happened, TMZ said, citing a FOX24 reporter.

The report added that Peyton's kids were now safe; however, the 36-year-old has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was recovering from the incident.

According to his uncle, Greg Hillis, the football star is receiving treatment for his lungs and kidneys, the New York Post reported.

Hours after the incident, Greg also released a statement on Facebook to "head off any rumors that may be started."

He said Peyton was doing better and improving. "I'm sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf," he added.

Peyton's NFL career spanned between 2008 and 2014, with his peak coming in the 2010 season while playing for the Cleveland Browns. He tallied 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns that year, the New York Post reported.

His seven-year career stats show he scored a total of 26 touchdowns and had 2,832 rushing yards. Before being released by the New York Giants in 2015, Peyton also took the field for Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs among others.

Peyton was also famous for being on the cover of Madden 12, an NFL-themed video game. Other football stars, who have also been on the cover, include Tom Brady, Antonio Brown and Patrick Mahomes. An updated version of the game is released every August, on the onset of a new NFL season. It is tied to months of speculation, as only the top players make it to the cover of the popular video game.

While it is unclear how much Peyton was paid to be on the Madden 12 cover, spotrac.com reports that the average salary of his NFL career was $900,000. His latest NFL contract with the Giants in March 2014 was worth $1.8 million. According to biographymask.com, Peyton's net worth as of 2022 was $5 million.

Peyton Hillis
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