OAKLAND, CA — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, 36, died after a struggle with police in Oakland, California, reports said.
“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,” his family said in a statement to Fox Sports.
Martin died Saturday morning after police responded to a report of a home break-in in Oakland, that involved Martin, The New York Post said. Martin was reportedly already having a medical emergency and then a brief struggle ensued, police said.
The Bay Area News Group report Martin was arrested following a break-in at a home on Ettrick Street near the Oakland Zoo. The former All-Pro player was taken into custody a little before 5 a.m.
“Paramedic personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the individual to an area hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, the individual later died at the hospital,” Oakland Police Department said in a statement.
Martin played six seasons with the Buccaneers, and his final year in the NFL with the Raiders. He was named to two Pro Bowl teams and an All-Pro honor. He rushed for 1,400 yards in both of his Pro Bowl seasons, doing so as a rookie in 2012 and again in 2015, NFL.com said. As a rookie, Martin set the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in one half of a game with four.
He held Buccaneers franchise records for the most rushing yards in a single game (251) and the most rushing yards per game (74.2).