Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back tampa bay buccaneersThe man died in police custody Saturday morning following an incident at a residence in Oakland, California, police confirmed Monday.
Oakland Police said officers responded to a call about a trespassing just after 4:15 a.m. Saturday and encountered Martin.
According to a statement from the Oakland Police Department, “Prior to his death, Martin was involved in vandalism to a residence in Oakland.” “As responding officers attempted to take him into custody, a brief struggle occurred. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive.
“Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died.”
Martin was 36 years old.
Athletes First, which said it represented Martin when he was in the NFL, issued a news release Monday night saying he “struggled with mental health challenges that deeply impacted his personal and professional life.”
As part of the release, the agency also said Martin’s family sought to clarify the circumstances of his death.
“Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical help for him and contacted local authorities for support,” Athletes First said. “Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and broke into a neighbor’s house two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. What happened after he was taken into custody is under investigation.”
OPD said that, consistent with department policy, the in-custody death is being investigated by the Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
The Buccaneers, with whom Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons, called him a “fan favorite” who “made a lasting impact on our franchise.” He was voted one of the top 50 players in franchise history as part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Standing only 5 feet 9 inches tall, Martin was known for his burly style – earning him the nickname “Muscle Hamster” – while he scored 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns in his NFL career.
an ex boise state A star, he was Tampa Bay’s first-round pick (No. 31) in 2012 and immediately burst onto the scene, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 TDs, and catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score in his first season, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection. At the time, he had the third-most yards from scrimmage as a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Eric Dickerson (2,212 in 1984) and Edgerrin James (2,139 in 1999).
Martin’s best season came in his All-Pro year in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six TDs, and had 33 catches for 271 yards and another score.
He then spent two more seasons in Tampa Bay, then finished his career in 2018 raiders,
A native of California, Martin attended Boise State from 2007 to 2011 and is in the top 10 for career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns at the school. He was a two-time first-team all-conference honoree.
