Doug Martin, former All-Pro running back tampa bay buccaneersHas died, his family said in a statement on Sunday.
He was 36 years old.
“We are very sad to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” the family said in a statement released to multiple outlets. “The cause of death is unconfirmed at this time. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Tampa Bay, where 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.
A former Boise State 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 nod. 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 with the Raiders in 2018.
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.
