The AD Foundation

Aaron Douglas was a huge man with a huge heart. Funny, goofy, loving and caring, Aaron was always looking out for his friends. Standing at a height of 6'7”, he was truly a gentle giant.

He was the first born of Karla and David Douglas, and big brother to sister, Ashley Jane. He was also an amazing and talented athlete, as well as an artist and musician. Aaron Douglas was one of those rare people that could humbly excel at most anything he attempted.

In high school, he was a star athlete in both basketball and football. His main focus was not on himself. It was on his team. He would do anything to not let his team down, even if that meant finishing out his senior season with a painful torn labrum in his shoulder.

College was just as successful for Aaron. His freshman year at UT earned him a Freshman All American and All SEC title. He played for Western Arizona and had signed to play at the University of Alabama. His family couldn't have been more proud or excited for their son. He was making a change.

But there was one thing he couldn't do. He couldn't beat the chains of addiction and depression. His journey with both began in high school where he experimented with marijuana and alcohol. The pain pills started after his major shoulder surgery in the summer after his senior year.

He first tested positive for drugs at The University of Tennessee. His family confronted him. He asked for help. No one knew the extent of his addiction. But both he and his family thoug