One month after being discharged, Hillis took to social media to say thank you to his family, to the hospital staff, and everyone who provided “love and prayers.”
“I haven’t taken any interviews on this because I’d like to keep my family out of the public eye because it was a very traumatic time for us,” Hillis explained “But I did want to come on here and show my appreciation for everyone who helped save my life and for all of your prayers and love and support.”
Hillis added that he left the hospital “with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery.”
Hillis joined the Browns in 2010 after being dealt by the Denver Broncos. In his first season in Cleveland, Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and added 477 receiving yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns. After his monster season, Hillis defeated stars like Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick, and Matt Ryan in the vote for the prestigious cover of the Madden ’12 video game. The 7th-round draft pick from Arkansas played in 81 NFL games during his eight-year career that also featured stops in Kansas City and in New York with the Giants.