Peyton Hillis, the former Cleveland Browns star, was hospitalized in critical condition after he tried to save his children from drowning in the ocean, multiple reports said.

The 36-year-old’s uncle gave an update on Thursday saying that his nephew is still in intensive care.

“I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better,” Greg Hillis wrote. “He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but the doctors say he is improving. I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started. I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf.”

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Who is Peyton Hillis?

Peyton Derek Hillis was born on January 21, 1986. He attended Conway High School in Conway, Arkansas and was a highly touted recruit. He attended the University of Arkansas where he was primarily used as a fullback.

As a true freshman, Hillis gained 240 yards rushing, 97 yards receiving, and scored eight touchdowns, ranking fourth in the SEC in total touchdowns. In his junior season, Hillis only appeared in ten games.

His senior season in 2007 saw Hillis finish with over 800 yards of total offense and score 7 total touchdowns.

Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 20th pick in the seventh round (227th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was also assigned his college number, 22.

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After being drafted, Hillis rose to the top of the depth chart. Due to injuries to the running back corps, he became the starting running back. After spending two years in Denver, Hillis was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2010.

In 2011, he won a nationwide vote which put him on the cover of EA Sports’ Madden NFL 12 video game.