OAKLAND, CA — Former NFL running back Doug Martin died Saturday while in the custody of the Oakland Police Department, according to multiple news reports. He was 36.
It’s unclear what caused Martin’s death. The 36-year-old had been arrested after being suspected of breaking into a home in East Oakland during the early hours of Oct. 18, according to a report by the East Bay Times.
Officers had responded to the home in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street and tried arresting the suspect, according to the Oakland Police Department. From an Oakland Police Department statement, it appears officers knew the suspect was already suffering from a medical emergency when they tried to arrest them.
“Officers responded to the area for an individual who had broken into a nearby residence, the Oakland Police Department said. “Simultaneously, officers were notified of an individual who was experiencing a medical emergency and was believed to be the same individual related to the break-in.”
A brief struggle ensued, in which they took the suspect into custody, police said. The suspect then became unresponsive and was taken to a local hospital where he died, police said.
Although the Alameda County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the person’s identity, multiple news outlets reported that the suspect was former NFLer Doug Martin.
Martin’s family confirmed the 36-year-old’s death and asked that people respect their privacy at this time, according to a report by Fox Sports.
The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is procedure under the department’s policy, authorities said. The in-custody death will be investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA), and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Martin was born in Oakland and grew up in Stockton. After graduating high school, he attended Boise State, where he became one of the “best running backs in school history,” according to the university.
He became the first Boise State running back to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and one of six overall, according to the university.
Martin was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 31st pick of the 2012 Draft. He was described in a scouting report as a “very savvy runner” with a polished all-around game.
Martin spent six seasons with the Buccaneers before ending his career with the Oakland Raiders.
In a social media statement Sunday, the Buccaneers said they were saddened to learn about Martin’s death and extended condolences to his family.
“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 Buccaneers said online. “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.”
During his career, Martin rushed for 30 touchdowns and 5,356 yards on 1,322 carries, according to ESPN. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro.