Former Ohio State offensive tackle Ivan Douglas dies

Former Ohio State offensive tackle Ivan Douglas has died after a battle with COVID-19, his former teammate Chukwuemeka Onyejekwe announced Thursday. He was 41 years old and is survived by his wife and two children.

“Update: Our good brother Ivan Douglas has passed away,” Onyejekwe tweeted. “Please keep his family in your prayers!”

In an earlier tweet on Oct. 14, Onyejekwe said Douglas was in a medically induced coma because of the virus.

The 6-foot-7, 305-pound Douglas came to Columbus in 1999 as a highly touted prospect from Cleveland Benedictine. He was a key reserve in 2000 but missed the entire 2001 season with a blood clot in his lung.

Douglas overcame that setback to start 12 games at left tackle for the Buckeyes on their way to the 2002 national championship. Unfortunately, he suffered another blood clot in his chest the following summer that prematurely ended his career.

The Buckeyes finished that season undefeated, including a 14-9 victory against rival Michigan in the final game of the regular season. They outlasted Miami (Fla.) 31-24 in the Fiesta Bowl to claim the national championship.

Douglas served as a student coach in 2003 as he worked his way toward a degree in criminology. He attempted to make one more comeback following the second blood clot that put his career in jeopardy. However, he failed to make the roster after trying out for the Oakland Raiders.

Andre Griffin, a former Ohio State running back, also offered up a tribute to Ivan Douglas after his death.

There is a GoFundMe page that was set up for the family of Douglas, which has to date raised a total of $12,340.

“Ivan Douglas (also known as ID) is a loving husband, father of 2 boys (3 and 1years old),son and friend to many,” reads the GoFundMe page for Douglas and his family. “He is an Ohio State Alumni and former OSU football player and a 2002 OSU champion. ID has a giving spirit and is a people person; he meets no strangers. Due to his 6-foot-7 in stature and calm demeanor we lovingly call him a gentle giant. ID is the bread winner for his family & currently employed as a Social Worker to help children in crisis.”