Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, died early Saturday morning while in police custody after an incident in Oakland, California, authorities confirmed Monday.
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded to a report of a break-in shortly after 4:15 a.m. Saturday and found Martin at the scene. In a statement, the department said that “while responding officers were attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred.” After being restrained, Martin became unresponsive. Paramedics provided medical aid and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police confirmed that Martin was allegedly involved in a break-in at a nearby residence before his detainment. The department noted that, per policy, the incident is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the OPD Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Athletes First, the agency that represented Martin during his NFL career, released a statement Monday evening acknowledging that the former running back had been battling serious mental health challenges. The agency said Martin’s family had been actively seeking medical help for him before the incident.
“Doug’s parents contacted local authorities for support,” the statement read. “Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers issued a statement mourning the loss of their former star, calling Martin a “fan favorite” who made “a lasting impact on our franchise.” He was also recognized among the organization’s top 50 players during its 50th anniversary celebration.
Standing 5-foot-9, Martin earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” for his tough, compact running style. Over his seven-year NFL career, he rushed for 5,356 yards and scored 30 touchdowns.
A first-round pick out of Boise State in 2012, Martin made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 472 receiving yards. His best season came in 2015, when he earned All-Pro honors after recording 1,402 rushing yards.
Martin, a California native, spent six seasons with Tampa Bay and ended his career in 2018 with the Raiders. He remains one of Boise State’s all-time rushing leaders and a beloved figure among Buccaneers fans.
