Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died early Saturday morning while in police custody following an incident at a home in Oakland, California, authorities confirmed Monday.
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded to a call about a break-in shortly after 4:15 a.m. and encountered Martin at the scene. “Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a residential break-in,” police said in a statement. “As officers attempted to detain him, a brief struggle took place. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive.”
Paramedics arrived, administered medical aid, and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Martin was 36.
In a statement released Sunday, Martin’s family expressed their grief: “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Doug Martin on Saturday morning. The cause of death is still under investigation. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Oakland police said the in-custody death is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, Oakland Police Commission, Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons, paid tribute to him as a “fan favorite” who left “a lasting impact on our franchise.” He was also named among the top 50 players in team history during the Buccaneers’ 50th-anniversary celebration.
Standing at 5-foot-9, Martin was known for his powerful running style, which earned him the nickname “Muscle Hamster.” Over his NFL career, he totaled 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
A first-round pick (No. 31 overall) out of Boise State in 2012, Martin made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,454 yards, 11 touchdowns, and adding nearly 500 receiving yards. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod and placed him third all-time in yards from scrimmage by an NFL rookie, behind only Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James.
Martin’s standout year came in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-Pro honors. After two more seasons in Tampa Bay, he concluded his career with the Raiders in 2018.
A California native and Boise State alum, Martin played for the Broncos from 2007 to 2011, finishing among the school’s top 10 in both career rushing yards and touchdowns. He was a two-time first-team all-conference selection.
