October 20, 2025 – The family of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, 36, announced Sunday that he has died. Their statement noted that his “cause of death is currently unconfirmed.” The Bucs drafted Martin, known as the “muscle hamster” for short stature and bruising running style, No. 31 in the 2012 NFL draft. He rushed for 1,454 and 11 touchdowns as a rookie, while adding another 472 receiving yards, and quickly became a fan favorite. Martin spent six years in Tampa Bay, some marred by injuries and off-field struggles, and finished his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
