Peyton Hillis was discharged from the hospital a month ago, but had kept quiet on his status and recovery.
The former Cleveland Brown saved his children from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico in January; however, that landed him in the hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
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Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
He spent two weeks at the hospital while dealing with lung and kidney issues. However, on Tuesday, he sent out a positive update for his first comments since the incident.
“I just wanted to come on here and thank everyone for all the prayers and love y’all have given me. It’s really made all the difference.” Hillis tweeted. “I also want to thank my brave sister, mother, sister in law, my kids, and my girlfriend who has saved my life in more ways than one. Thank you to the amazing staff at the hospital. Baptist hospital in Pensacola. Y’all were truly amazing and took such great care of me. You made all the difference on my recovery.
Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns carries against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Marc Serota/Getty Images)
“I haven’t taken any interviews on this because I’d like to keep my family out of the public eye because it was a very traumatic time for us. But I did want to come on here and show my appreciation for everyone who helped save my life and for all of your prayers and love and support. I left the hospital with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery. I’m a very lucky and blessed man. Yahweh has really blessed me and I am very thankful.”
Hillis, 37, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft where he spent his first two seasons. However, he broke out as a member of the Browns, rushing for 1,177 yards on 270 carries and scoring 11 touchdowns in 2010.
Though he didn’t make the Pro Bowl that season, he was awarded by being the cover athlete of Madden NFL 12.
He spent the 2012 season with the Kansas City Chiefs before spending his final two seasons with the New York Giants.
Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis (40) waits on the sidelines near the end of the game against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game in Indianapolis September 18, 2011. (REUTERS/Brent Smith )
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While at Arkansas, Hillis played a key role as a pass-catching back. In fact, he had more receiving yards (1,197) than rushing (960) in his four years there — a dozen of his 23 touchdowns came from the ground.
