Nurse!

Peyton Hillis got a special visitor at his hospital on Thursday ... Emmitt Smith stopped by -- and the visit went so well, both former NFL running backs were seen smiling ear to ear with one another.

The Dallas Cowboys legend -- who was born and raised in Pensacola, FL -- made the trek to the Escambia County medical facility to check in on Hillis ... just over two weeks after the former Browns tailback nearly drowned in an ocean rescue effort on Pensacola Beach.

Hillis appeared to be in great spirits -- flashing a grin in a photo with Smith, who called the 36-year-old in an Instagram post following the visit "a recovering hero."

Smith didn't directly provide any updates on Hillis' condition, though he appeared optimistic about the former Madden cover athlete's prognosis.

"Stay strong Peyton!" Smith said. "Praying for you, your family and wishing you a speedy recovery."

Hillis, according to his uncle, suffered damage to his lungs and kidneys back on Jan. 4 ... after he reportedly jumped into the ocean to save his children who were caught in riptides.

Initially, things looked dire for Peyton -- who had to be life flighted to the hospital -- but his longtime girlfriend, singer and actress Angela Cole, said last week he had a big breakthrough and is now on the mend.

Hillis played in the NFL from 2008 through 2014 ... and multiple players, both past and present, have wished him a speedy recovery since the accident.

Jeremy Renner was moaning in pain in the background of the 911 call from his snowplow accident ... with his neighbor telling the operator he'd been "crushed" by a Snowcat.

In audio of the emergency call, obtained by TMZ, the actor's in agony as one of his neighbors frantically explains Jeremy's injuries ... including damage to his ribs, chest, torso and head, resulting in "a lot of blood."

The neighbor tells dispatchers Jeremy was on the ground in front of their house after being run over and having his ribs crushed by a Snowcat. The caller says Jeremy's breaths are getting shorter and begs for help to come immediately.

The audio makes it clear Jeremy was in need of life-saving measures ... he's screaming in agony for over 15 minutes, with his neighbor explaining JR was conscious but in "a lot of pain."

TMZ broke the story ... the 911 emergency log notes Jeremy was having "extreme difficulty" breathing after being "completely crushed" by the Snowcat and was experiencing heavy bleeding from his head.

As we reported, Nevada officials say Jeremy was helping a family member get their car out of heavy snow on New Year's Day, with the actor stepping out of his snowplow to chat with the family member when the Snowcat started to roll. Officials say Jeremy tried to get back into the driver's seat but was crushed by the 7-ton snowplow.

Jeremy was ultimately airlifted to a local hospital from the scene of the accident, which was on a private road in an area blanketed by tons of snow.

The Packers will donate $100,000 worth of Automated External Defibrillators to schools and recreational sports leagues in the Green Bay area ... in light of Damar Hamlin's medical emergency, the team announced Wednesday.

The team collaborated with Bellin Health, the team's official healthcare provider, to donate money for 80 AED devices ... which typically cost around $1,000, and can save lives. Unfortunately, many places aren't equipped. Green Bay is looking to change that.

The Packers and Bellin Health released a joint statement ... saying the donation would provide the AEDs where youth and recreational sports are played across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

"After seeing Damar Hamlin's shocking cardiac arrest and witnessing the incredible response from the emergency personnel and medical professionals who treated him, we recognized our responsibility to take action in our own community," said Packers Exec Mark Murphy.

He continued ... "Damar's injury also reminds us that cardiac emergencies are experienced each day throughout the country and our region."

"We're proud to work with Bellin Health to equip more athletic facilities and organizations with AEDs, as well as the tools and skills they need to save a life."

After the facilities receive the AEDs, which administer a shock to the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm, Bellin Health said they would ensure reps from the various organizations are adequately trained in CPR and AED use.

"We are extremely grateful to the Green Bay Packers for this incredible donation of life-saving equipment to the communities we serve," said Bellin Health President Chris Woleske.

"Access to this equipment combined with education surrounding how to provide aid in a cardiac emergency is proven to save lives."

Frederic Prinz von Anhalt says he got into a nasty car crash at the top of the new year ... one that resulted in a total LOSS of his finger!!!

We got Zsa Zsa Gabor's widower Monday in Bev Hills, and he filled us in on the ordeal -- saying he got himself a brand-spanking new Rolls-Royce for the holidays, and was taking it for a spin when he got hit on the driver's side.

On top of the decimated digit on his right hand, he tells us his shoulder on his left side is hurting too. He even jokingly calls out Zsa Zsa for putting this on him from beyond the grave.

You'll recall, Prinz was on the short-lived reality show "Adults Adopting Adults" last year, taking in Kevin Feucht -- only to reverse the adoption process once the show got canned.

We got Prinz soon after news broke, and he told us he's still on the market for an heir -- but more likely an heiress, saying it's all about trust. Kevin told us he was "shocked, disappointed, and sad" about the reversal.

Jeremy Renner is still on the road to recovery after his nasty snowplow accident ... but at least that road's led him back home to continue recuperating.

The "Hawkeye" star tweeted Monday night, "Outside my brain fog in recovery, I was very excited to watch episode 201 with my family at home" -- referring to the season 2 premiere of his show, "Mayor of Kingstown."

Needless to say, his concerned fans were thrilled by Jeremy's unexpected update ... as he was flooded with messages congratulating him on making it home with his family, and at least one added, "We are still praying for you everyday and will continue to do so."

This is a big step forward for Jeremy -- as we reported, he was in critical condition at the beginning of the year after getting "completely crushed" by the Snowcat, according to the 911 emergency log. It also stated the right side of his chest collapsed.

Cops investigating the incident said Jeremy was working to get a family member's vehicle out of the snow when it happened.

He was rushed to the hospital and had undergone surgery, but doctors were optimistic -- he even shared a pic from the ICU, thanking the healthcare team for all their help.

Nick Kyrgios is out of the Australian Open -- the tennis star officially withdrew from the high-profile tourney ... after he had some disgusting, ketchup-like fluid drained from his knee.

The 27-year-old called a press conference at Melbourne Park on Sunday to reveal the news ... announcing that a recent MRI scan showed he had a small tear and cyst in his lateral meniscus.

He shared on his IG story shortly before the announcement that the injury had led to a buildup of a gnarly substance in his knee that required a procedure to remove.

"I'm devastated," Kyrgios said. "It's brutal. This is my home tournament, and obviously, winning the tournament in doubles [last year] and playing the best tennis of my life. All I can do is my best to come back."

Kyrgios had faced Novak Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, in a charity match on Friday, but according to his physiotherapist, Will Maher, the knee didn't respond well to the action.

Kyrgios, the 19 seed, had been slated to go up against Roman Safiullin in the first round of the tourney on Tuesday.

Soap legend Susan Lucci is on a mission to make sure others don't have to go through the same ordeal she did to survive a massive heart blockage.

We got the "All My Children" star out in NYC, where she downloaded us on her upcoming collaboration with the American Heart Association.

You'll recall, Susan underwent emergency surgery back in 2019 after having a 90% heart blockage. That saved her from a massive and likely fatal heart attack.

Now, she calls herself lucky to be alive and points to the "wonderful" doctors who acted fast.

Susan tells us, she was motivated to help others after her medical crisis ... saying she almost ignored it until it was too late, but thankfully she didn't. She says she had no idea her dad's side of the family actually had a history related to her condition.

Her hope is to spread awareness about heart disease and, most importantly, getting tested. As for the signs, she keeps it simple -- pay attention to your family history and changes with your body.

Several Texas high school football players were hospitalized after their coach allegedly forced them do 400 push-ups as a form of discipline, according to multiple reports.

John Harrell, head football coach at Rockwall-Heath High School, was suspended and placed on administrative leave after a group of his players required medical attention following an off-season workout, according to FoxNews4.

Harrell, who's been with the program since 2019, is accused of making the students do "a large number of push-ups" as punishment for the athletes.

The alleged incident occurred on Friday during an off-season workout program. School principal Todd Bradford sent a letter to parents saying students "needed medical attention," with "some" requiring hospitalization.

The Dallas Morning News reports at least eight students were hospitalized.

One parent, whose child is hospitalized, says the players were made to do hundreds of push-ups in just an hour with no water or break.

The parent, who didn't wish to be identified, said their child was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. Rhabdomyolysis can be fatal or result in permanent disability.

However, not everyone believes the coach was wrong. Junior team captain, Brady Luff, told media water was available to the players, and they could've left if they wanted.

"[Coach Harrell's] treated us with nothing but respect, and he loves every single one of us like his own," Luff said.

Amazing news ... Peyton Hillis' girlfriend says the former NFL star is off the ventilator and now "on the road to recovery" -- just days after he suffered significant trauma in a swimming accident in Florida.

Singer and actress Angela Cole, who's been dating Hillis since at least 2021, provided the positive update on her social media page late Wednesday night ... writing in a caption on a video of the couple, "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," she added.

Hillis needed to be helicoptered to a hospital back on Jan. 4, after he reportedly jumped into the ocean on Pensacola Beach in order to save two of his children who were caught in riptides.

The former running back's uncle, Greg Hillis, said in a Facebook post after the accident that Peyton suffered kidney and lung damage in the rescue ... and in the ensuing days, things looked so dire, fans, family and friends actually held a prayer vigil for him in Arkansas.

But, according to Cole, Peyton's now on the mend.

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

New photos show the horror from the night Tory Lanez shot Meg Thee Stallion in the foot after an argument in Hollywood ... including the damage done to Meg's foot and the weapon used to commit the crime.

We've obtained several trial exhibits from the Meg and Tory case that show everything from the blood in the backseat of the SUV, to the condition and X-rays of Meg's foot after she was hospitalized.

You can see blood splattered in the vehicle, from when Meg got back inside after Tory shot her ... there's also blood smeared on a suitcase that was in the vehicle.

For the first time, we're also seeing the pistol Tory used to shoot Meg, laying on the ground near the backseat of the SUV.

As we reported, Tory was found guilty of all three charges against him -- felony negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm back in December.

Chicago White Sox star Liam Hendriks -- arguably the best closer in the MLB -- has been diagnosed with cancer ... and is slated to begin treatment for the disease ASAP.

The right-handed pitcher revealed the news on his social media page Sunday -- saying docs recently discovered he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He went on to say he'll begin medical care to try to eradicate it all on Monday.

The 33-year-old, though, vowed to beat it ... saying he's going to use "the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life."

"I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible," Hendriks said.

"I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this."

Several MLB stars commented on three-time All-Star's post ... including future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, who left praying hands emojis.

Hendriks has been in the major leagues since 2011, but has blossomed into one of the game's best just recently. He had a breakout year with the Oakland A's in 2019 -- and has gone on to become one of the most reliable ninth-inning guys in baseball since.

The White Sox -- who signed Hendriks to a 3-year, $54 million contract in 2021 -- said Sunday night they plan to help the pitcher on his journey to recovery ... adding they're "optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable."

Peyton Hillis, the former Cleveland Browns star who was on the cover of the Madden 12 video game, was hospitalized after a swimming accident where he saved his kids from drowning.

Peyton remains in the intensive care unit for treatment on his lungs and kidneys, but doctors say his health is improving, according to his uncle.

Meanwhile, Peyton's kids are said to be safe and healthy.

Hillis was in Pensacola, FL when the accident happened, according to reporter Alyssa Orange, who says he was helicoptered to the hospital and remains unconscious in the ICU.

Peyton was on the Madden cover after a breakout season in 2010 and another good year in 2011 with the Browns. Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards to go with 477 receiving yards as a running back in 2010 and scored 13 total touchdowns. He followed with 717 total yards and 3 TDs in 2011 and then made it on the Madden 12 cover, being voted in by the fans.

A 7th-round draft pick out of Arkansas in 2008, Peyton played in 81 NFL games over 8 seasons with the Browns, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants.

Peyton has not played in the NFL since the 2014 season. He's since gotten into acting and made his film debut last year in the indie thriller, "The Hunting."

Marcio Freire -- a big wave surfer whose career was so iconic it was featured in the popular 2016 "Mad Dogs" documentary -- is dead after a tragic accident in the water in Portugal.

The Brazilian surfing veteran had been hitting the massive waves at Praia do Norte beach in Nazare on Thursday, practicing his tow-in ... when authorities say he fell off his board.

According to the Portuguese National Maritime Authority, rescuers found the 47-year-old in cardio-respiratory arrest ... and immediately started "resuscitation maneuvers on the sand."

However, Freire didn't make it despite the life-saving attempts.

The surfing world was rocked by the news ... with Nic von Rupp mourning the loss in an emotional social media post.

"We surfed all day, it was perfect, clean, barrels, Márcio was stoked had that huge smile. With that smile is how I’m going to remember him."

Added Hawaiian surfing star Matt Meola in an Instagram post of his own, "Man what a sad day for surfing. Hard to imagine somebody who seemed so big and invincible is gone."

Freire -- one of the three "Mad Dogs" surfers who victoriously rode the "Jaws" wave in Hawaii -- had been seen just moments before his death smiling and enjoying the waves.

Damar Hamlin continues to make giant positive strides -- the Bills' safety is now breathing without mechanical help just days after his heart stopped on the field Monday night, and he's even talking to his family!

The Bills tweeted an update on Hamlin Friday, writing "Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar's breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery."

Hamlin had required a breathing tube to provide him oxygen since going into cardiac arrest ... but no more, and it's a great sign.

On Thursday, two of Hamlin's doctors announced the DB had been communicating with them through writing, and even asked who won the 'MNF' game between his Bills and the Bengals.

The doctors also noted Hamlin made "significant progress" and was "neurologically intact," easing fears Damar's brain was damaged by a lack of air.

Despite Hamlin's improvement, the incident still haunts his teammates. Star QB Josh Allen said the incident keeps replaying "over and over" in his head.

The NFL has since announced they will not reschedule the Bills-Bengals game ... and could now play the AFC Championship game at a neutral site.

A French Montana music video turned into a terrifying ordeal when gunshots rang out ... and multiple people have reportedly been hit.

French and his team were in Miami Gardens Thursday filming a video outside The Licking restaurant. At some point, at least one person opened fire, injuring up to 10 people ... according to Miami WSVN 7News.

At this point, it's unclear if French was hit ... but a witness on the scene tells us his security got him out of the area safely and without incident.

We've obtained video of French on the scene before the shooting, and everything seemed to going smoothly. However, in additional video -- from after the shots rang out -- you can see the chaos.

We do not know who fired the gun or if it was more than one person.

Miami 7 says at this point, there have been no fatalities reported.

We spoke with French earlier in the day Thursday about the loss of his friend Takeoff, and advice he gave Quavo on dealing with the death.

Jeremy Renner is still in bad shape after his horrendous snowplow accident, but he got a taste of normal life with a shower and shampoo ... albeit in ICU.

Jeremy posted this video of his sister gently shampooing his hair. It seems the no-rinse shampoo cap is covering his head ... these things have to be done gingerly, and his sister is up to snuff.

Renner is loving it, saying he hasn't had a shower in a week. It's almost like a head massage, and you can almost feel how he's enjoying the experience.

Jeremy is still listed in critical but stable condition after the snowplow ran over much of his body, causing chest trauma and a severe leg injury.

Doctors will tell you medicine is great, but a patient's attitude is important to recovery, and you can tell Jeremy's got as positive an outlook as possible.