Doug Martin, who played running back in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died while in police custody in Oakland, California. He was 36 years old. According to an official statement from the Oakland Police Department, the incident occurred at about 4:15 a.m. Saturday after Martin was allegedly involved in a break-in at a residential dwelling. During the attempted arrest, police said there was a brief struggle before Martin became unresponsive. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The department confirmed to reporters on Monday that the man who died while in custody was indeed Martin. Police say a complete investigation is ongoing and no official cause of death has been determined. The department’s internal affairs division and the county coroner are reviewing the circumstances of his arrest and medical emergency.

NFL teams, fans react to Martin’s death

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed their condolences over Martin’s death and in a public statement put out on X said the team was “deeply saddened to learn of the sudden, unexpected passing of Doug Martin.” The organization praised him for his lasting contributions, elaborating on how he had a “record-setting rookie season in 2012” and multiple Pro Bowl honors during the six seasons he was with Tampa Bay. Doug Martin, a former NFL running back, died over the weekend at the age of 34.

Martin’s family issued the following statement to the Tampa Bay Times: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Doug Martin on Saturday morning. We do not know the cause of death at this time. We hope that you will respect our privacy at this time.” Martin, in 2018, joined the Oakland Raiders, and with that club, finished his NFL career, which lasted one season. A statement released by the Raiders read: “The family of the Raiders was saddened to learn of the unfortunate death of Doug Martin recently. A two-time Pro-Bowl selection from Boise State, Martin in his career rushed for more than 5,000 yards and registered 30 touchdowns.”

Remembering An Outstanding Career

Martin, a native of Stockton, California, was drafted by the Buccaneers 31st in the 2012 NFL Draft after a brilliant college career at Boise State. He had a tremendous rookie season. He rushed for 1,454 yards, scored 11 rushing TD’s and caught 49 passes for 472 yards, thus he came in third in the most total yards gained on scrimmage by a rookie in history. In 2015 he had another major accomplishment. He finished the season second in rushing in the league with 1,402 yards rushing and received the coveted All-Pro ranking besides being named to the Pro Bowl. Martin, who was speedy, displayed power, balance, determination proved to be one of the people’s favorites among Tampa Bay fans. In seven years of profession he gained well over 5,300 yards rushing and scored 30 touchdowns.

He was described by his former teammates as quiet, but very competitive, and showing that focus and humility which is so vital for a successful pro athlete, both off and on the field. The death of Martin indicates another tragedy in a long line of events experienced by former professional athletes who have found it difficult to adapt to life after athletics. Local police and officials haven’t issued any other information regarding the events which led up to the time of his arrest and the conditions surrounding the arrest. In the meantime, as the athletic world mourns Martin, both the Buccaneers and Diego have extended their: condolences to his family and fans, regarding him as one of the most brilliant running backs of his time.