Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro running back and Boise State star Doug Martin died while in police custody following a struggle with officers who were investigating a break-in at a home in Oakland, California, on Sunday according to the Oakland Police Department. Martin, 36, became unresponsive after his arrest and was transported to the hospital after receiving medical aid on the scene.
A cause of death has not been released, though the Alameda County Coroner’s Office will do an autopsy to determine what happened.
A first-round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2012 NFL Draft, Martin played seven seasons in the pros prior to his career ending after a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders.
Oakland police said Monday that Martin “was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland,” and as officers were attempting to detain him, a “brief struggle occurred” with Martin becoming unresponsive after being taken into custody.
“Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died,” police said. “Since Saturday, OPD has been in contact with Martin’s family. The family has requested privacy as they grieve this tragic loss. No additional details are being released at this time, as this remains an ongoing investigation.”
The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Athletes First and agency CEO Brian Murphy, who represented Martin, released an additional statement on behalf of his family. Within the statement, it was revealed that Martin battled menal health challenges “that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life.”
“Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” the statement continued. “Following recent media reports about Doug’s untimely passing, the family wishes to clarify the circumstances. Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police.”
Martin rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie in 2012 before playing in only 17 games over his next two years with the Buccaneers. Martin’s resurgence was notable in 2015 when he posted an All-Pro and Pro Bowl season in which he rushed for 1,402 yards.
That offseason, Tampa Bay signed Martin to a five-year, $35 million contract extension. He struggled thereafter for the NFC South franchise with a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy causing him to miss multiple games at the end of the year.
The suspension came amid Martin being benched while the Buccaneers were making a playoff push during the 2016 season. The franchise released Martin after the 2017 season, and he later signed with the Raiders to back up Marshawn Lynch.
Known for his bruising style at 5-feet-9 and 225 pounds, Martin starred at Boise State and earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” during his time on the blue turf.
Prior to Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty’s career, Martin was considered one of the top ballcarriers in program history after ranking third all-time at the school with 43 rushing touchdowns and 48 total touchdowns, fifth with 3,431 yards and sixth with 617 rushing attempts.