Former NFL Star, Razorback Hillis Shares Heroic Events That Nearly Took His Life

From saving his son, niece in riptide to competing with McFadden, Jones, unlikely run resulting in Madden cover, former running back always beat the odds

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Sep 26, 2023 2:18 AM EDT
Original:
Sep 26, 2023

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – There's been a lot of buzz today about former Arkansas Razorback turned Madden cover star Peyton Hillis and his appearance at the Little Rock Touchdown Club.

For those who didn't get the opportunity to hear Hillis tell the gut-wrenching story to which so many fathers can relate of the difficult decision to pass up his son to save his niece first in the riptides of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and the anxiety of waking up not knowing whether he had saved their lives. Some of what he had to say is funny, and so much will move even the hardest hearts.

Also, hear Hillis talk about having to be a running back at Arkansas with NFL first round draft picks Felix Jones and how that prepared him for clawing his way to a starting spot in the NFL as a seventh round draft pick. Find out how his infamous Madden cover came to be against all odds and what legendary star was by his bedside in the hospital.

Plus, relive the highlights of the agile giant whose Herculean body in his early 20s could only be outmatched by his Herculean spirit and testimony that came from the day he nearly died after collapsing on the beach in front of his girlfriend.

Hillis begins his portion around the 22 minute mark.