Tragic Death of Former NFL Star Doug Martin Following Police Struggle

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:47:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Doug Martin, former All-Pro NFL running back, passed away at age 36 during a confrontation with police in Oakland. Known for his outstanding career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Martin's death raises questions about mental health support and police interactions.

Doug Martin, a celebrated NFL running back renowned for his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died at the age of 36 after police attempted to take him into custody for a suspected break-in. In a statement, it was revealed that Martin battled mental health issues that impacted his life significantly. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Doug Martin, former All-Pro NFL running back known for his remarkable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 following a struggle with police officers who were investigating a break-in in Oakland.

Martin became unresponsive during the police encounter early Saturday morning and was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. At this time, the cause of death has not been disclosed, pending an autopsy report from the Alameda County Coroner's Office.

According to the Oakland Police Department, Martin was suspected of being involved in a break-in and a brief struggle occurred during police efforts to detain him. His former agent, Brian Murphy, mentioned that Martin had been facing mental health challenges that significantly impacted his personal and professional life.

Murphy revealed that Martin's family had reached out for medical assistance as he felt overwhelmed and disoriented prior to the incident, leading him to flee to a neighbor's home nearby. “Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” the agent stated.

The case is currently under investigation by police, as well as local authorities, which includes the city police commission and the county district attorney’s office. Oakland's Mayor Barbara Lee expressed condolences, stating, “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning.”

During his NFL tenure, Martin was drafted 31st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and had an impressive rookie season with 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Over his six-season career with the Buccaneers and one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he amassed 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, along with 148 receptions for 1,207 yards.

The Buccaneers released a heartfelt statement, mourning his unexpected passing and noting the lasting impact he made on the franchise. Martin was recognized among the top 50 players in franchise history during the team’s celebratory event.