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. 

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

Sports betting in Ohio is officially launching on January 1, 2023.

Pre-registration is now open at FanDuel Ohio for an extra $100 bonus. Go pre-register now.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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.