Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis was removed from his ventilator, 7 days after saving his children from drowning in Florida

• Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis is off his ventilator and "on the road to recovery," according to his girlfriend.
• Hillis was hospitalized after saving his children from drowning a week ago.

Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis has been removed from his ventilator and is "on the road to recovery," one week after saving his children from drowning.

Last week, Hillis was reported to have been in a swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida. While he saved his two children from drowning, Hillis was taken to the hospital and placed in intensive care after the incident.

On Wednesday, Hillis' girlfriend, Angela Cole, shared a positive update on Instagram.

"So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital," Cole wrote.

"Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery. Please continue to pray for he's still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference. Today was a good day."

On Twitter, NFL fans and commentators that had been following Hillis' recovered shared their joy.

Hillis, 36, was a fullback at Arkansas, serving as a lead blocker for running back Darren McFadden as he set records for the Razorbacks.

After four years at Arkansas, Hillis was selected in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. he spent two years in Denver before being traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he would make his biggest impact on the NFL as a running back.

In 2010, Hillis rushed for 1,117 yards for the Browns, had 477 yards receiving, and finished the year with 13 total touchdowns. The breakout season earned him the cover of the popular "Madden" video game.

Hillis spent time in the final years of his career with the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Giants, before announcing his retirement in 2015.