2012 NFL Free Agents: Browns' Peyton Hillis Has Red Flags, Wanted to Join CIA

The Madden cover boy may not be handling fame so well.

According to an article by Adam Schefter on ESPN.com, Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis considered retirement and a change of job during last season.

The article says that Hillis wavered in his desire to continue playing football and considered joining the CIA.

Schefter goes on to say that Hillis has thought about retirement as recently as the end of the season, but it seems as though he will keep playing.

Hillis burst onto the scene during the 2010 season, when he became the Browns' starter. During that season, Hillis ran for 1,177 yards on 270 carries and scored 11 touchdowns.

His style of play and the fact that he is a white running back also garnered him a cult following.

During the offseason, Hillis won a vote by EA Sports to become the Madden cover athlete. He beat out Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in the finals.

Since then, it has been a downward spiral for Hillis. Contract negotiations with the Browns didn't go well, he battled injuries and a case of strep throat this past season, and people even questioned whether he was really injured.

In 2011, he only averaged 3.6 yards on 161 carries for 587 yards and three touchdowns.

Hillis will now prepare for free agency with his sanity and commitment in question—news that could certainly hurt his stock.