Peyton Hillis is reportedly "on the road to recovery" after being hospitalized following a scary swimming incident involving his children.
Last week, it was reported that the 36-year-old former running back for the Cleveland Browns had been airlifted to hospital after saving his children from drowning in the ocean following a swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida.
At the time, TMZ revealed that the athlete's children were safe following the incident, but that Hillis had been admitted to an Intensive Care Unit and was receiving treatment on his lungs and kidneys.
Hillis' uncle, Greg Hillis, also penned a Facebook post at the time revealing that despite being in the ICU, doctors were saying that the star's condition was "improving".
Now, it has been announced that Hillis' recovery has continued to go from strength to strength.
Hillis' partner, Angela Cole, has since taken to Instagram to provide an update on the former NFL star.
"A hero," she wrote in a touching Instagram post. "So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital.
"Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery."
"Please continue to pray for, he's still got a way ahead of him, but thank you for all your prayers and love and support thus far. Today was a good day," Cole concluded the post.
In response to to positive news, fans and loved ones flooded the post with message of support for Hillis.
One dedicated fan wrote: "Peyton was one of my all time favorite Browns players. So glad he is doing better. Praying he fully heals quickly. I just bought my son a Hillis jersey and it came in the mail today. He is 10. I have showed him his highlights and I still own the Madden game he was in the cover of. Big fans here. God bless you all."
A second commented: "I'm so glad that this hero is getting better! I have been praying for Mr. Hillis, you, and your family's since I heard about his act of bravery and love for his children. I will continue to pray till he makes a full recovery and is home with you and your family."
Hillis - a four-year player at the University of Arkansas - kicked off his professional career after being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
After being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2010, Hillis would become a breakout star for the team after rushing for 1,177 yards on 270 carries and scoring 11 touchdowns that year.
Hillis would then go on to be announced as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 12 video game.
Since then, he signed with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Giants, before his eventual retirement in 2015.
We wish Hillis the very best on his recovery journey.