A Father's Sacrifice

Hillis on Madden game cover

 If you are a parent, you likely understand the notion of "doing anything" for your children especially when it comes to their safety. Rarely do parents get put to the ultimate test of sacrificing life and limb but most would agree doing so is just part of the job. Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis was dealt a scenario that tested his very limits and its no surprise he sprung into action despite it costing him greatly. He and his family were enjoying a beach vacation in Pensacola when two of his kids were swept away in a powerful riptide current. 

Peyton dove in without a second thought and fought valiantly against the pounding waves and unrelenting undertow successfully making it at first to one kid, then the other, ultimately rescuing both. However, the pure exhaustion and unceasing effort got the best of him as he himself became the victim of the waves taking water into his own lungs and collapsing on the beach. First responders came to his aid and airlifted the hero to the nearest hospital where he is now being attended to in the ICU. They had been originally dispatched when the kids got pulled out into the deep but by the time they got there, "a brave bystander had already rescued the swimmers," said one lifeguard who originally did not realize the connection between the kids and Hillis.

Family of Hillis report that "he's having some problems with his kidneys and lungs but the doctors say he is improving." This former NFL star spent time with several teams like the Denver Broncos but had his best season with the Cleveland Browns turning in a 1000 yard year and landing him on the Madden 12 game cover. If he can perform at such physically demanding elite levels like that, confidence is high that he will make it through this scary & trying event relatively unscathed.

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