OAKLAND, Calif. — The NFL community is mourning the loss of former All-Pro running back Doug Martin, who died after a confrontation with police on Saturday morning. Martin, 36, was well-known for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he built a strong reputation as a leading rusher.
According to a statement from the Oakland Police Department, officers were responding to a report of a break-in at a home when they encountered Martin. During the attempt to take him into custody, a brief struggle occurred. Martin became unresponsive shortly thereafter and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, and an autopsy is underway.
Reports indicate that Martin was struggling with mental health issues, which his family had sought help for prior to his passing. His former agent, Brian Murphy, shared that Martin had been feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, leading him to leave his home and enter a neighbor’s house just two doors away. Murphy stated that “mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” highlighting the personal battles Martin faced despite his public success.
The Oakland Police along with Mayor Barbara Lee have extended their condolences to Martin’s family. The mayor described him as a talented athlete who contributed significantly to the NFL, stating, “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career.”
Doug Martin was drafted in the first round as the 31st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Boise State. He made an immediate impact in the league, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns in his rookie season, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.
In 2015, Martin rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns, again making the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro. Over his six seasons with the Buccaneers and one season with the Raiders, he accumulated a total of 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, along with 148 receptions for 1,207 yards and two touchdowns.
The Buccaneers expressed their sadness over his untimely passing, stating, “Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.” He was also honored as one of the top 50 players in the franchise’s history during their 50th anniversary celebration.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continue, the community and fans of Martin reflect on both his remarkable career and the struggles he faced off the field.
