Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis gave God the glory after escaping death while rescuing his children from drowning. The 36-year-old retired athlete was rushed to the hospital earlier this year in critical condition after saving his children from drowning in the ocean. According to ESPN, the incident involved two adults and two children.

In a recently released statement, Hillis said the prayers for him and his children “made all the difference,” describing the ordeal as a traumatic experience for his family. The statement reads, “I also want to thank my brave sister, mother, sister-in-law, my kids, and my girlfriend, who 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 in my recovery.”

Hillis continued, “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 or 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.”

Thank you for all your love and prayers?? pic.twitter.com/VnrCmKWjlN

— Peyton Hillis (@thepeytonhillis) February 21, 2023

TMZ Sports acquired pictures of the drowning rescue as it happened. The photos show Hillis on a backboard on the beach, surrounded by paramedics and lifeguards, presumably after he rescued his children from the water. A helicopter and two ambulances came to the incident scene after that. According to KFSM-TV, while the news of Hillis’ condition spread, families with Shiloh Christian School in Springdale, Arkansas, came together to pray for Hillis. Hillis volunteered as an assistant coach for the youth football team his son Orry played on.

Bryant Lewis, head coach of the kids’ football program, said, “One of the great things about being a body of believers is relationship and community, and it’s about being not only to pray for people, but it’s also here to support them through times like this.” Another coach, Jordan Wright, described Hillis as selfless. Wright said, “That’s sacrificial living. That’s — that’s selflessness. It’s going out and risking it to save your kids. I mean, that’s amazing.”

Kelsey Eursery, whose son plays with Orry on the youth team, said it’s “not a surprise to hear that Peyton went in the water after his child and that he got him to safety and that he was fine, and that he risked his life.” She said, “We just, as a Shiloh family and community, we want him healed. We want him back at full capacity. We know that when one of us hurts, all his hurt.”

Please continue praying for Hillis’ healing after successfully rescuing his children.