The NFL community is in shock and mourning following the sudden and unexpected death of two-time Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Martin, who became a fan favourite and a first-team All-Pro with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was just 36 years old.
The news was first confirmed by his family in a brief statement released Sunday, which asked for privacy and confirmed only that he passed away Saturday morning, with the cause of death currently unconfirmed.
The Investigation: In-Custody Death Report
However, the tragedy has been compounded by conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances of his passing. While the family statement was sparse, reports from sources close to the investigation, including the East Bay Times, suggest that Martin died while in the custody of the Oakland Police Department early Saturday morning in his hometown.
According to these reports, police were dispatched to an East Oakland neighbourhood around 4:15 a.m. in response to a reported home break-in. A “brief struggle” reportedly ensued when officers made contact with the suspect, who was later identified as Martin. Police also “simultaneously” received notice that the individual was experiencing a “medical emergency”.
Martin became unresponsive after being taken into custody. Despite receiving medical aid at the scene and being transported to a local hospital, he was later pronounced dead.
As is standard protocol for deaths occurring while in police custody, the incident is now under investigation by multiple independent bodies, including the Oakland Police Department’s homicide unit, the internal affairs bureau, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s office. The results of the official autopsy, which will confirm the exact cause of death, are pending.
A Career Defined by Power and Flash
Doug Martin, nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for his powerful, compact build and aggressive running style, was a first-round pick (31st overall) by the Buccaneers in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State.
His impact was immediate and explosive. In his 2012 rookie campaign, Martin electrified the league, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, a performance that earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and set the stage for what many believed would be a Hall of Fame career.
He followed up this success in 2015 with another dominant season, posting 1,402 rushing yards and earning his second Pro Bowl nod and a prestigious First-Team All-Pro selection.
Martin finished his seven-year NFL career, which included a final season with the Oakland Raiders, with over 5,300 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns. He remains a beloved figure in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers franchise honoured his legacy with a heartfelt statement:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. 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… We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”
The sudden death of the talented, yet often private, athlete at such a young age has left a somber mood across the entire sports landscape, as friends, former teammates, and fans wait for answers regarding the tragic end of the ‘Muscle Hamster’.
