Doug Middleton

Doug Middleton is a former NFL safety and a mental health advocate motivated by personal loss. He is originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, and became a standout player at Appalachian State University, earning First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors in 2014. After going undrafted in 2016, he signed with the New York Jets, where he played for three seasons before having brief stints with several other franchises. He appeared in a total of two dozen games during his NFL career.

Due to injuries, Middleton retired and returned to Appalachian State as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Department. A significant influence on his advocacy work was the loss of his close friend, AJ Morrison, who struggled with severe depression for nearly five years before tragically taking his own life. This devastating experience inspired Middleton to found Dream the Impossible, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness for youth, student-athletes, and the African-American community. He is committed to raising awareness for struggling people and providing them with the tools they need to lead impactful lives despite their challenges.