Ex-NFL running back Peyton Hillis recalls harrowing experience saving 2 children from drowning

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Former NFL running back Peyton Hillis opened up about the dramatic rescue of two family members in the Gulf of Mexico in January, which landed him the hospital for two weeks.

Hillis appeared on ABC’s "Good Morning America" and talked to Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan about the ordeal. After saving his children from drowning, Hillis spent additional time in the hospital dealing with lung and kidney issues.

"It is 100% a miracle that somebody didn't die," Hillis told Strahan.

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Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Dec. 18, 2011, in Glendale, Arizona. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today Sports)

Hillis recalled that Jan. 4 day when his children were really itching to go down to the beach in Pensacola, Florida. He said there was a bad storm, but he didn’t notice any flags that would’ve warned him about keeping his kids out of the water. He then said his son and niece began drowning when they got caught in a rip current.

"I hear my mom screaming and so, I looked at her and she pointed out to my son, and she says, ‘Orry and Camilla are drowning,’" Hillis recalled. "… And so, I didn't even think, I reacted and started running into the water."

The former player’s son Orry was 9 and his niece Camille 8 at the time.

Hillis said he was met with an incredibly tough decision when he was in the water.

"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," he said. "I knew that I had to pass him up to get to Camille first. Because, you know, if I didn't then