Former NFL player Doug Martin dies while in Oakland police custody originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Former Oakland Raider Doug Martin died over the weekend while in Oakland police custody, authorities said.
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The 36-year-old Martin was a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played his final season with the Raiders.
The Oakland Police Department on Monday confirmed Martin died while in police custody following a reported break-in at a home.
Officers responding to the incident attempted to detain Martin when a brief struggle occurred, police said.
“After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive,” police said in an update released Monday. “Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died.”
A cause of death was not immediately revealed.
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Police initially reported the in-custody death Saturday and said officers involved in the incident were placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with the police department’s policy.
Oakland police have been in contact with Martin’s family and said no further details are being released in the ongoing investigation.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee provided the following statement on Monday:
“We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones, and my office has reached out to Mr. Martin’s family. They have asked for privacy during this time.”
Martin was born in Stockton and played college football at Boise State. He was drafted by the Buccaneers with the No. 31 pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
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“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” the Buccaneers posted on social media. “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.”
In his first season in the NFL, the 5-foot-9 Martin ran for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 472 receiving yards, earning Pro Bowl honors. That included a career-best game of 251 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a victory over the Raiders.
In 2015, following two injury-plagued seasons, he was named first-team All-Pro after running for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns.
In six seasons with the Buccaneers, Martin totaled 4,633 rushing yards and ran for 26 touchdowns.
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“He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements,” the Buccaneers continued. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”
Martin in his final NFL season with the Raiders in 2018, ran for 723 yards and four touchdowns. Over 84 career games, he had 5,356 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns.
“The NFL family mourns the loss of Doug Martin,” the NFL posted on social media. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates.”