Ex-NFL player Peyton Hillis in ICU after saving his kids from drowning – reports

The former running back was taken to a hospital by emergency helicopter after a swimming accident in Florida, a relative said

Former National Football League running back Peyton Hillis is recovering at a hospital's intensive care unit after jumping into Florida waters to save his children from drowning, according to media reports and his family.

A relative of Hillis told the local television news station KNWA - which is based in the retired player's home state of Arkansas - that an emergency helicopter crew flew him to a hospital after a swimming accident on Wednesday in the popular vacation destination Pensacola. Hillis's children reportedly almost drowned after the accident, but their father rescued them and they were physically unhurt.