Former NFL Pro runner and Boise State star Doug Martin has died at age 36, his family said in a statement Sunday.
TMZ and FOX were among the media outlets that confirmed the news to people close to Martin. A statement from his family provided to FOX said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. The cause of death is unconfirmed at this time. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
According to the East Bay Times, Martin died while in Oakland police custody early Saturday morning. The newspaper, citing multiple sources close to the investigation, said police responded to a report of a break-in at a home just after 4:15 a.m. in East Oakland when there was a “brief struggle” before Martin became unresponsive after being taken into custody.
He was taken to the hospital, where he later died, the Times reported. The incident continues to be investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Auckland The Police Department's Homicide and Internal Affairs Units and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
Tampa Bay Buccaneerswith whom Martin played for most of his career, issued a statement on Sunday afternoon:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-breaking rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.”
After being selected 31st overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Martin made an immediate impact for the Buccaneers as a rookie, making the Pro Bowl and NFL All-Rookie Team after a 1,454-yard, 11-touchdown season.
Injuries have hampered Martin throughout his career, mostly spent in Tampa Bay, although he added a second Pro Bowl appearance and a 1,400-yard season in 2015 when he was a first-team All-Pro.
Despite the injuries, Martin managed to rush for over 400 yards in every campaign of his career. That level of consistency allowed him to rank fourth on Tampa Bay's all-time rushing yards list with 4,633 yards in six seasons. He also ranks third all-time in rushing touchdowns for the Buccaneers with 26.
He finished his seven-year career by playing one season with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Martin was also one of Boise State's all-time greatest players, rushing for 3,431 yards from 2007 to 2011, ranking him eighth on the school's all-time athlete list. He's also sixth with 43 career rushing touchdowns.
