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Former Ohio State OT Ivan Douglas dies of COVID-19 complications

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

Former Ohio State defensive tackle Ivan Douglas has passed away after a bout with COVID-19.

Last week, it was reported that Douglas was “fighting for his life” in a tweet by former teammate Chukwuemeka Onyejekwe, known as Mekka Don. 

On Thursday afternoon, Don tweeted the news that Douglas had passed away from COVID-19 complications.

A Cleveland native, Douglas entered Ohio State as a highly touted prospect and was a key reserve in 2000. He missed the entire 2001 season with a blood clot in his lung, but then in 2002 started 12 games for the Buckeyes national championship team.

Douglas’ career ended the next season when he suffered another blood clot in his chest the next summer. He went on to serve as a student assistant in 2003, and received a degree in criminology. Douglas attempted to re-enter football in 2004 with the Oakland Raiders, but didn’t make the roster.

For the last five years, Douglas served as a social worker with the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services. He leaves behind his wife, Lauren and two young children.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.