Doug Martin, the former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has passed away while in police custody. He was 36 years old. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) confirmed this tragic news, which occurred early Saturday morning.
Details Surrounding Doug Martin’s Death
The OPD reported that the incident took place at approximately 4:15 a.m. Officers responded to a break-in at a residence in Oakland, where they encountered Martin. According to police statements, a brief struggle ensued during his arrest. Subsequently, Martin became unresponsive while in custody.
Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene and transported him to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The OPD has classified this as an ongoing investigation.
Reactions from the NFL Community
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed their sorrow through a statement released on social media. They noted, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin.” They highlighted his record-setting achievements, including an impressive rookie season in 2012, which significantly impacted the franchise.
- 2012 Rookie Season: 1,454 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns
- 49 receptions for 472 yards and one receiving touchdown
- Pro Bowl selection following the rookie season
- 2015: Finished second in NFL rushing with 1,402 yards
Martin’s family released a statement acknowledging his passing and requested privacy during this difficult time. They have yet to confirm the specific cause of death.
Doug Martin’s NFL Career Highlights
Doug Martin was drafted as the 31st overall pick in 2012 after playing at Boise State. He made a memorable impact during his first year, amassing 1,926 yards from scrimmage—marking the third-highest total in NFL history at that time. Over his six seasons with the Buccaneers, he earned two Pro Bowl nods and became a crucial player for the team.
Final Years in the NFL
Following his time with the Buccaneers, Martin spent his last NFL season with the Oakland Raiders, which at that time was located in Las Vegas. He led the Raiders in rushing yards in 2018 and concluded his career with over 5,000 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
The Raiders also released a heartfelt message expressing their condolences, stating, “The Raiders Family was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Doug Martin.” Martin’s legacy in the NFL will be remembered by fans and players alike.
