OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin died following a struggle with police officers during their investigation of a break-in at a residence in Oakland, police reported Monday.
Known for his outstanding career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Martin became unresponsive after his arrest early Saturday morning. He was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead at the age of 36. Authorities have yet to determine his exact cause of death, pending autopsy results from the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.
The Oakland Police reported that Martin was involved in a break-in incident and that there was a “brief struggle” during the police's attempt to detain him. Further details were not disclosed.
Hailing originally from Oakland, Martin was raised in Stockton, where he played high school football.
His former agent, Brian Murphy, shared a statement from Martin's family highlighting the running back’s private struggles with mental health that significantly affected both his personal and professional life.
Murphy mentioned that Martin’s parents had sought medical help for him, and during a moment when Martin felt overwhelmed, he fled his home and entered a neighbor's residence where police subsequently apprehended him.
“Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” Murphy noted.
In a response to the tragedy, the Oakland mayor expressed condolences: “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning.” The police department is working with the city police commission, community police review agency, and the county district attorney’s office to investigate the circumstances surrounding Martin's death.
Martin was drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft following a successful tenure at Boise State. Throughout his career, he recorded impressive stats, including 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns across six seasons with the Buccaneers and one with the Raiders. His legacy includes being named one of the top 50 players in Buccaneers franchise history.
In a statement, the Buccaneers expressed deep sorrow over Martin's unexpected passing, acknowledging his lasting impact on their franchise.
