Former NFL player Doug Martin died
after struggling with officers while being detained, police say
[October 21, 2025]
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former All-Pro NFL running back Doug
Martin died after a struggle with police officers who were taking
him into custody while they were investigating a break-in at a home
in Oakland, police said Monday.
Martin, best known for his stellar career with the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, became unresponsive after being arrested early Saturday,
according to a statement released by the Oakland Police Department.
He was transported by paramedics to a hospital where he died, police
said. He was 36. A cause of death has not been released. An autopsy
will be conducted, the Alameda County Coroner’s Office said.
Police said in a statement that Martin was involved in a break-in
and that a “brief struggle” happened as police were attempting to
detain him. The department did not release any other details.
Martin, originally from Oakland, lived in Stockton, where he played
high school football.
His former agent, Brian Murphy, issued a statement at the request of
Martin's family which said Martin privately battled mental health
challenges that “profoundly impacted his personal and professional
life."
Murphy said Martin's parents had sought medical help for Martin and
contacted local authorities for support. Martin felt overwhelmed and
disoriented, fled his home and entered a neighbor's home two doors
down where police took him into custody, Murphy said.
"Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which
Doug could not run," Murphy said.
Police and Oakland's mayor said they had reached out to the family.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) during the second
half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov.
12, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken,File)
“We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a
distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday
morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones,” Mayor
Barbara Lee said Monday in a statement.
His death is being investigated by police, the city police
commission, the community police review agency and the county
district attorney’s office.
Martin was the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL
draft after a standout career at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454
yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and was selected to the Pro
Bowl.
He was named first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl again after
rushing for 1,402 yards and six TDs in 2015.
Martin finished his career with 5,356 yards rushing and 30 TDs in
six seasons with the Buccaneers and one with the Raiders. He also
had 148 catches for 1,207 yards and two scores.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected
passing of Doug Martin," the Buccaneers said in a statement. “Doug
made a lasting impact on our franchise.”
Martin was selected one of the top 50 players in franchise history
as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration.
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