An ex-NFL player fell into the Atlantic Ocean off the South Florida coast and survived by swimming some nine miles to shore.

Robert Konrad, who served as a Miami Dolphins fullback between 1999 and 2004, was fishing alone on Wednesday night near Palm Beach when he fell from his 36-foot boat, which drifted away from him as it was on autopilot.

Local 10 reports that Konrad swam for about 10 to 12 hours and made it to shore near 1800 South Ocean Boulevard at 4:40am. on Thursday. According to the WPBF, he walked up to a passing police officer and told him what happened.

The Sun Sentinel reports that Konrad told the cop that he left Hillsboro Inlet in Deerfield Beach around 10:30am. on Wednesday and fell overboard at around 1pm.

The 38-year-old was brought to the Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach as he showed signs of hypothermia and suffered from dehydration, scratches, and abrasions.

Concerned friends, who were supposed to have dinner with Konrad, contacted authorities when he did not show up.

ABC News reports that the Coast Guard and Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's Office conducted a search for the missing athlete. According to WPBF, Konrad did see the Coast Guard helicopter searching for him, but it failed to see him.

Meanwhile, Konrad has been released from hospital, according to the Daily Mail. His boat was found off the Grand Bahama Island on Thursday, Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney said.

Family spokesman Harvey Greene said of Konrad, "He is OK, he is recovering and he thanks everyone for their concern."

Konrad was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1999 and played 82 games as the team's blocking back. Currently, he is the CEO of Alterna Financial and a managing director for KT Capital Partners.