Ex-Giants pro Peyton Hillis is on the road to recovery after his swimming accident. He no longer needs artificial respiration, his girlfriend announced. The former running back had saved his children from drowning.

Peyton Hillis, former running back for the New York Giants and Denver Broncos, is on the road to recovery after his swimming accident.

The 36-year-old no longer needs artificial respiration, his girlfriend Angela Cole wrote on Instagram.

“Peyton no longer needs artificial respiration and is on the road to recovery. I am so incredibly thankful for this man, this family and the amazingly amazing hospital team. Today is a good day,” Cole elaborated.

NFL: Ex-Denver running back Peyton Hillis in critical condition after accident

Hillis had saved his children from drowning during a swimming trip in Florida and suffered life-threatening injuries himself. His children are doing well thanks to the rescue operation.

The longtime NFL pro was on artificial respiration in the hospital’s intensive care unit for a fortnight after the rescue.

Despite recent progress, he still has “some distance to go” on the road to a full recovery, his girlfriend further wrote.

Former RB Peyton Hillis is recovering after he saved his children from drowning in the ocean earlier this month.

Hero. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cPE7VPNce5

– NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2023

In addition, Cole thanked “your prayers and support” from fans of the former Denver Bronco, who even made the cover of the “Madden 12” game. “It makes a big difference. Please don’t stop praying for him,” she wrote in conclusion.