OAKLAND — Doug Martin, a former running back for the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died while in Oakland police custody early Saturday morning, multiple sources close to the investigation told this news organization on Sunday.
Martin, 36, died at a hospital after being contacted by Oakland police, who were responding to reports of a home break-in just after 4:15 a.m. in East Oakland, the sources said. His cause of death has yet to be determined, and the incident remains under investigation by multiple local law enforcement agencies.
A statement released by Martin’s family announced his death and asked for “privacy at this time.”
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” the statement read. ”Cause of death is currently unconfirmed.” When reached Sunday evening, a family member referred back to the statement.
Born in Oakland and raised in Stockton, Martin spent seven seasons in the NFL. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2012 first round (No. 31 overall) out of Boise State and spent six years with the team before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders.
The incident began when Oakland police were called about person who had broken into a home on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street, a residential block in the hills above East Oakland. Oakland police “simultaneously” received notice that the suspected burglar was having “a medical emergency,” according to a statement by the Oakland Police Department.
A “brief struggle” ensued when officers contacted the suspected burglar, police said. The person then became unresponsive after being taken into custody, according to Oakland police. After receiving medical aid by paramedics on scene, the person was taken to a hospital, where they later died, the department’s statement said.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the name of the person who died.
Martin starred collegiately at Boise State, leaving the school in 2011 as the third-leading rusher in program history. During his four years in Boise after prepping at St. Mary’s-Stockton, he rushed for more than 3,400 yards and 43 touchdowns as the Broncos remained a powerhouse in the Mountain West under coach Chris Peterson.
His 2012 rookie season in Tampa Bay was his most productive as a pro: Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning his first of two career Pro Bowl apparances. Martin’s true breakout performance was a 251-yard, four-touchdown game in a win over the Raiders at the Coliseum.
Though his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, including another 1,400-yard rushing season in 2015, it was also marred by injuries and off-field challenges. In 2016, Martin was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after testing positive for a banned substance. He later sought treatment and publicly expressed regret, vowing to rebuild his health and reputation.
After six seasons in Tampa Bay, Martin signed with the Raiders in 2018, rushing for 723 yards and four touchdowns in his return to Northern California.
Martin retired quietly after the 2018 season with 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns over seven seasons.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” the Bucs said in a statement. “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.”
Check back for updates to this developing story. The Tribune News Services contributed to this report.
Jakob Rodgers is a senior breaking news reporter. Call, text or send him an encrypted message via Signal at 510-390-2351, or email him at jrodgers@bayareanewsgroup.com.
Originally Published: October 19, 2025 at 6:07 PM PDT