Doug Martin Dies in Police Custody After Alleged Break-In at Oakland Home

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin has died in police custody after allegedly breaking into a California home, where he suffered a medical emergency.

According to local outlet, KTVU, Martin, 36, was allegedly arrested after police officers responded to reports of a possible break-in around Oct. 17 at 4:15 a.m. at a home on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street, in a neighborhood in Oakland, CA.

The Oakland Police Department told the outlet that around the same time officers received reports of an alleged break-in, the department also got calls of a person “experiencing a medical emergency” at the same location.

Once officers arrived to the home, there was reportedly a “brief struggle” with police officers, and then Martin became unresponsive.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin has died in police custody after allegedly breaking into a California home, where he suffered a medical emergency. FOXAccording to local outlet, KTVU, Martin, 36, was allegedly arrested after police officers responded to reports of a possible break-in around Oct. 17 at 4:15 a.m. at a home on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street, in a neighborhood in Oakland, CA.Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Reports note that Martin received medical aid from paramedics on the scene and was later taken to the hospital, where he was then pronounced dead.

The details of the ex-NFL star‘s medical emergency were not made public; however, the Oakland Police Department noted that its Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will be conducting an investigation into the former footballer’s death.

The police officers who were present at the scene were placed on paid administrative leave.

“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time,” the athlete’s family told Fox Sports.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom Martin played for much of his NFL career, added, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin.

“From his record-setting 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.”

The Oakland Police Department told the outlet that around the same time officers received reports of an alleged break-in, the department also got calls of a person “experiencing a medical emergency” at the same location.ABCOnce officers arrived to the home, there was reportedly a “brief struggle” with police officers and then Martin became unresponsive.ABCReports note that Martin received medical aid from paramedics on the scene and was later taken to the hospital, where he was then pronounced dead. Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Martin, who hails from California, was the number 31 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

The running back played with the Buccaneers from 2012 to 2018, when he then moved to the Las Vegas Raiders for his final 2018-2019 season.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2015.

He also had 723 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Before his NFL career, Martin was a standout at Boise State University.

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Kelsi Karruli is a senior celebrity reporter who joined Realtor.com in 2025. She writes about trends encompassing real estate and celebrity properties. She previously wrote for Daily Mail, True Urban Culture, and JMedia Corporation, where she specialized in covering celebrities, relationships, psychology, and gender issues. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pace University, where she received the James Rose Award for excellence in journalism. When she isn’t updating readers on A-listers’ moves, she is spending time with her cat, Mary, and cheering on the Albanian soccer team.