The Incredible Way a Former NFL Player Survived After Falling Off His Fishing Boat Miles From the Florida Coast

Former Miami Dolphins fullback Rob Konrad is likely thankful he was once a professional athlete, after falling off a boat in the south Florida coast and having no choice but to swim for more than nine hours back to shore.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Konrad went fishing alone on Wednesday, and fell off his boat. Since it was on autopilot, Konrad was unable to catch back up to the vessel.

Facing no other alternative, the former Dolphins player began swimming home.

Konrad reportedly swam at least nine miles before making it back. SB Nation notes that swimmers in a triathlon only swim about 1.2 miles, and the swimming section of an Iron Man is about 2.4 miles.

The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to look for Konrad after he missed dinner plans with his friends, but he made it to shore unassisted around 4 a.m.

The 38-year-old, who played for the Dophins from 1999-2004, was immediately taken to the hospital to be treated for possible hypothermia.

More on the incredible story of survival via WPLG-TV:

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