Instagram, owned by Meta, is a diverse world of endless humor, stunts, information, and now fitness. Yes, the fitness industry has been expanding into the online scene, where creators from all backgrounds have come together to make a truly special network of the promotion of wellness and health. One such creator, Austin Dotson, has a rather unique story to tell.

In October of 1993, Austin Dotson was born right outside of Los Angeles in a town called Carson. From a young age, Dotson was drawn to sports and fitness as a way to push himself further each day. He quickly took up football in both grade and high school, becoming a star athlete for his school district. However, his fame did not follow him home.

The combination of a rough homelife and the looming knowledge that his parents wouldn’t be able to afford a college education for him only fueled Dotson’s fire to compete in football. His hard work paid off, as he received a full ride to Sacramento State University to play football for them. Dotson recalls these college years as the best in his life, where he made countless friends and, again, became a star for his team. This happiness was short-lived, though, as when the draft season for the NFL came around, he was left hanging.

After finishing his undergraduate program, he didn’t want to let go of football, so Dotson played for a professional arena league for two years. This was not paying the bills—a daughter to support atop other personal expenses forced him to quit the sport and take up a draining job in a mortgage firm. This career was absolutely not what Dotson had envisioned for his future, but he had to maintain the position, lest he go bankrupt. After a few years in this job, he had hit rock bottom. Substance abuse, depression, and a DUI on Christmas day all piled onto his conscience with the intensity of a mountain. There had to be a change, and Dotson knew it.

On the 3rd of January, 2017, this change came. Now, this wasn’t a change of scene, but a change of the mind—to do best for himself and take his life into his hands. It started out as a membership to a cheap, local gym. Then, he reached out for a therapist for his depression and enrolled in a program to drop his addictions. By the lucky stars, a friend landed Dotson a job as a behavioral therapist, where he pulled others from the dark hole that he had not too long ago found himself in. He began to pay his debts, be more present in his daughter’s life, and began an Instagram account.

Now, with over half a million loyal followers, Dotson shares his story and his wisdom to all. Workout routines, meal plans, and mental health awareness are all prominent themes within his content. From meditation to backflips, Austin Dotson put smiles on people’s faces, one way or another.

To see how the rest of Dotson’s story unfolds, follow him on his Instagram.