Former NFL running back Doug Martin died at age 36 on Saturday, October 18, 2025, following a confrontation with police officers responding to a reported break-in at a residence in Oakland, California. The incident took place in the early morning and has led to several investigations into the circumstances of his death.
Officers from the Oakland Police Department were called to a home on Ettrick Street shortly after 4:15 a.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of a break-in. Police statements indicate they also received reports of a medical emergency at the same location. Upon encountering Martin inside the residence and attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred.
After the altercation, Martin became unresponsive while in police custody. Emergency responders treated him at the scene and then transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The department confirmed on Monday that Martin was a suspect in the burglary investigation.
Martin’s family issued a statement through Fox Sports expressing their sorrow. “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed,” the statement read.
Athletes First, the agency that represented Martin during his NFL career, later provided additional context about the circumstances leading to his death. The agency stated that Martin had been dealing with mental health challenges that significantly affected his personal and professional life. The statement noted that Martin’s parents had been seeking medical help for him and had contacted local authorities for assistance. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Martin left his home at night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where police later took him into custody.
The in-custody death has triggered a comprehensive investigation involving multiple agencies. Investigations are being conducted by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division and Internal Affairs Bureau, in coordination with the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, as per department policy.
Martin’s football career began in Oakland, California, where he was born, though he did not play the sport until attending St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California. His high school coach, Tony Franks, remembered him as a humble, grateful, and charismatic young man who was willing to help others and remained a friend to everyone. Franks keeps a photo of Martin on his desk from the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame, valuing the memory for the person Martin was.
After a successful career at Boise State University, where he ranks in the top 10 for career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, Martin was drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His rookie season was exceptional, with 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, plus 49 receptions for 472 yards and another score. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and placed him fifth in yards from scrimmage for a rookie in NFL history, behind such NFL legends as Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, Martin was nicknamed “Muscle Hamster” for his powerful running style despite his relatively short stature for a professional player. His best season came in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns, along with 33 catches for 271 yards and another score, earning him first-team All-Pro honors and another Pro Bowl selection.
Martin’s career faced challenges when he was suspended for four games in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy after testing positive for a banned substance. He issued a public apology and entered a drug treatment facility. Over six seasons with Tampa Bay, Martin became one of the franchise’s most popular players and was selected as one of the top 50 players in team history during their 50-year anniversary celebration.
He concluded his NFL career in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders, returning to his hometown. Martin finished his seven-year professional career with 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, along with 148 receptions for 1,207 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a statement expressing deep sadness over Martin’s sudden and tragic death. They reflected on his remarkable contributions to the team, highlighting his record-setting rookie season in 2012 and his multiple Pro Bowl selections over six seasons, which left a lasting legacy within the organization. The team described him as a fan favorite who left an indelible mark on the organization.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine Martin’s official cause of death. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events of that Saturday morning.
