Former NFL running back Doug Martin passed away at the age of 36 following an encounter with police officers addressing a reported break-in at a residence in Oakland, California, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident, which took place in the early morning hours, has led to several investigations into the situation surrounding his death.
Officers from the Oakland Police Department responded to a home on Ettrick Street shortly after 4:15 a.m. on Saturday due to reports of a burglary. Simultaneously, they were alerted to a medical emergency at the same location. Upon encountering Martin inside the residence, a brief struggle occurred as officers attempted to detain him.
In the aftermath of the altercation, Martin became unresponsive while in police custody. Emergency responders administered treatment at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The department confirmed on Monday that Martin was a suspect in the burglary case.
Martin’s family, through Fox Sports, expressed their sorrow, stating, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed.”
Athletes First, the agency representing Martin during his NFL tenure, offered further details on the circumstances leading to his death. The agency disclosed that Martin had been coping with mental health issues that significantly affected both his personal and professional life. Martin’s parents had been actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for help. Disoriented, Martin left his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where police later detained him.
The death in police custody has prompted a thorough investigation involving multiple agencies. The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division and Internal Affairs Bureau are conducting investigations alongside the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, following department policy.
Martin’s football journey began in Oakland, California, where he was born, but he did not play the sport until attending St. Mary’s High School in Stockton. His high school coach, Tony Franks, recalled him as a humble, grateful, and charismatic individual who was always willing to help others and remained a great 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 rather than the accolades.
After an impressive career at Boise State University, where Martin ranks in the top 10 for career rushing yards and touchdowns, he was drafted 31st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. His rookie season was remarkable, as he rushed for 1,454 yards, scored 11 touchdowns, and added 49 receptions for 472 yards and another touchdown. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and positioned him fifth in yards from scrimmage for a rookie in NFL history, behind only 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, adding 33 catches for 271 yards and another touchdown. This earned him first-team All-Pro honors and another Pro Bowl selection.
Martin’s career faced challenges when he received a four-game suspension in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy after testing positive for a banned substance. He publicly apologized and entered a drug treatment facility. Over six seasons with Tampa Bay, Martin became one of the franchise’s most cherished players and was named among 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 expressed deep sadness over Martin’s sudden and tragic death in a statement. They acknowledged his significant 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 seek to understand the events of that Saturday morning.
