UPDATE — 10/20/25, 9:55 a.m. ET: Former NFL running back Doug Martin reportedly died while in police custody for an alleged robbery.
Martin, 36, died at a hospital on Saturday, October 18, after police responded to reports of a house break-in just after 4:15 a.m. in East Oakland, based on the East Bay Times.
Police were “concurrently” made aware that the suspected burglar was having “a medical emergency,” based on an announcement by the Oakland Police Department.
There was a “transient struggle” when police contacted the alleged burglar, who then became unresponsive after being taken into custody, based on police.
After receiving medical aid by first responders, the person was taken to the hospital, where they later died.
Authorities haven’t officially named Martin because the deceased, or released an official explanation for death.
Per department policy, the law enforcement officials who were involved within the incident have been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation into Martin’s death stays ongoing.
Original story below:
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Doug Martin has died. He was 36.
“It’s with great sadness to tell you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” his family said in an announcement to Fox Sports on Sunday, October 19. “Reason behind death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy presently.”
The NFL star’s former team also paid tribute to Martin on Sunday, sharing a photograph of the player on the sector with the caption, “Rest in peace, Doug Martin.”
“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” the team wrote in an announcement to their social media. “From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a long-lasting impact on our franchise.”
The message continued, “He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as certainly one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his quite a few achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everybody whom Doug touched throughout his life.”
After news broke of his death on Sunday, Martin was mourned by several former NFL players, including Trai Essex.
“RIP Doug Martin. 36 years young,” Essex wrote via X. “It looks as if so many young recently retired ball players are passing away recently. Brothas, handle yourself and be certain that you check in together with your brothas. [That] goes for everybody, not only athletes. Praying deeply for the Martin family.”
Martin was a first-round pick of the Buccaneers at No. 31 in 2012. In his first season, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and had 11 touchdowns and caught 49 passes for 472 yards, leading to his Pro Bowl achievement. On the time, he achieved the third-most yards from scrimmage as a rookie in NFL history after Eric Dickerson and Ederrin James who had 2,212 yards in 1984 and a couple of,139 yards in 1999, respectively.
Courtesy of Teigan Martin/X Former University of South Florida tight end Teigan Martin has died after being involved in a automotive accident. He was 20 years old. Authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call at 5:05 a.m. on Monday, June 24, in Hollywood Township, Minnesota, where Martin’s black BMW M5 was present in a ditch, according […]
NBC News reported that Martin missed time with injuries in his next two years, but during his All-Pro yr in 2015 he rushed for 1,402 yards and 6 touchdowns and had 33 catches for 271 yards. The outlet reported that Martin was suspended 4 games by the NFL in 2016 and was released by the Buccaneers after six seasons.
He finished his profession in 2018 with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Prior to the NFL, Martin attended Boise State from 2007 to 2011 where he was twice a primary team-all conference honoree. He also earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” for his powerful abilities at 5 feet 9 inches.
Martin rushed for greater than 3,4000 yards with the team, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scoring 43 touchdowns. He was named the Maaca Las Vegas Bowl MVP in 2011 after a 100-yard kick return touchdown, 151 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown to win a game over Arizona State.
The team paid homage to Martin after his death on Sunday, sharing a black-and-white photo of him with the text, “In Memoriam Doug Martin. 1989-2025. Boise State Football 2007-2011.” The caption read, “Rest in peace to a Bronco legend. You might be missed.”