A former NFL player lost his best friend to suicide. It broke his heart until God awakened purpose and meaning in his life from the tragedy.
Pursuing The Football Dream
Doug Middleton has loved playing football since he was six years old. It became his passion growing up. And as he pursued the sport, he gained a friend with the same passion who eventually became like family.

Photo Courtesy | YouTube – The 700 Club
AJ became Doug’s best friend. They played football together and pursued their dreams together. Then during high school, both became star athletes, eventually landing them into football scholarships in college.

Doug and his best friend went to different Universities. But they kept in touch and shared each other’s journey in pursuing their dreams.
Losing Best Friend To Suicide
Then in 2011, Doug came to know Jesus and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior. Soon, he began to excel in his sport and slowly made his way to the NF. FIn 2016, he signed with the New York Jets.

Photo Courtesy | YouTube – The 700 Club
Meanwhile, Doug’s best friend, AJ, didn’t make it and struggled with many things. Soon, he fell into deep depression. Later, in July 2017, Doug received the heartbreaking news that his best friend had committed suicide.
When the tragedy happened, Doug continued to train with the Jets while grieving. However, he “suffered a season-ending injury” during the first preseason game. That’s when he was confronted with reality and struggled to find identity outside of football.
But amidst the struggle, God led Doug to a couple who lost their son to suicide. The couple encouraged Doug to use his platform to help others. They told him AJ didn’t die for anything. And maybe, because of the tragedy, he could help many people. That’s when purpose birthed and stirred into Doug’s heart.
Today, God is using former NFL player to help many struggling with mental health.
Reference | The 700 Club