EXCLUSIVE: "It is 100% a miracle that somebody didn't die.”
Former NFL running back @thepeytonhillis recounts saving his son and niece from a rip current while swimming at a Florida beach earlier this year to @michaelstrahan. https://t.co/pLuI3UJRiO pic.twitter.com/9RGABST2EP
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 13, 2023
Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis made national headlines in January after he was hospitalized with lung and kidney complications after saving his son and niece from drowning in Pensacola, Florida.
About two-and-a-half weeks after the accident, Hillis was discharged from Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
Last week, in an interview with Michael Strahan of “Good Morning America,” Hillis said it is “100% a miracle that somebody didn’t die.”
The running back recounted the scary decision to swim past his son in order to save his niece first because she was in more immediate danger.
“I think the scariest point … was when I’m swimming to my son and I have to pass by him because my niece is in more danger,” Hillis said. “I knew that I had to pass him up to get to Camille first. Because, you know, if I didn’t then there’s no way she would’ve made it.”
After swimming back, Hillis prayed that his son would make it.
“‘Lord, please,'” Hillis said he prayed. ” ‘Like, I really don’t care about my life. I don’t. But if we can get him out of here that’s the only thing I’m going to care about.’ ”
Hillis said he is still recovering and doesn’t think his lungs will ever be fully recovered. He also said the mental recovery has also been tough.
Despite his heroic actions, Hillis did not dub himself a hero.
“I call myself a dad,” he said.
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