Former NFL All-Pro running back Doug Martin has died at the age of 36, his family confirmed in a statement on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and the family has requested privacy during this time.
According to the East Bay Times, Martin died while in Oakland police custody early Saturday morning. Police were responding to a reported home break-in just after 4.15am in East Oakland when a “brief struggle” occurred, after which Martin became unresponsive. Officers had simultaneously received notice that the suspected burglar was experiencing a medical emergency.
After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive and received medical aid from paramedics at the scene. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The Alameda County coroner’s office has not yet officially released the name of the deceased. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and the incident is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Oakland Police Department's homicide unit and the District Attorney's office.
Martin, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for most of his career, was selected 31st overall in the 2012 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and All-Rookie honours. Despite injuries, he added a second Pro Bowl appearance in 2015 with a 1,400-yard season. He finished his career with 4,633 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns for the Buccaneers, and played his final season with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a statement expressing deep sadness at Martin's sudden passing, noting his record-setting rookie season and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Martin also left a legacy at Boise State University, where he ranks eighth in all-time rushing yards with 3,431 and sixth in rushing touchdowns with 43.
