The NFL draft creates hope each spring. Teams select college players for their rosters. Some picks become franchise stars, like Doug Martin.
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012, he saw his career come to an unexpected end on Saturday morning due to an unforeseen incident.
Doug Martin’s Death Hits Hard After Medical Emergency In Oakland Police Lockup
Martin died at a hospital after being contacted by Oakland police early Saturday morning, according to the East Bay Times. He was 36 years old.
Officers responded to reports of a home break-in just after 4:15 a.m. on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street in East Oakland. Police simultaneously received notice that the suspect was experiencing a medical emergency.
Arriving officers found Martin inside the residence and detained him after a brief struggle. Martin became unresponsive after being taken into custody. He later died at an area hospital.
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: Doug Martin passed away while in police custody after suffering a medical emergency, per @sfchronicle
Police were called at 4:15 am to a house for what was described as a home invasion. They also were told that the person involved was having a medical emergency.… pic.twitter.com/e44pbE1ly6
— JPA (@jasrifootball) October 20, 2025
His cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy and toxicology results. The investigations will examine bodycam footage, medical records, and use-of-force protocols.
Oakland Police Department released a statement detailing what happened. “Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence. While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive… Unfortunately, the individual later died at the hospital,” the statement read.
Multiple officers were involved in the arrest. The exact number hasn’t been disclosed. All involved officers were placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. This is standard procedure for in-custody deaths, and for the cops, this is not like a big suspension. You can consider it a swift punishment.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death, along with OPD’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency.
Martin’s family released a brief statement Sunday. “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed,” a statement read.
Martin was known for his bruising style, earning him the nickname the Muscle Hamster, while amassing 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns over his NFL career, according to ESPN. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season, which resulted in a Pro Bowl nod.
Born in Oakland, Martin spent seven seasons in the NFL. Martin’s best season came in his All-Pro year in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns.
Martin was suspended four games in 2016 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after testing positive for a banned substance. He later sought treatment and publicly expressed regret.
After six seasons in Tampa Bay, Martin signed with the Raiders in 2018, rushing for 723 yards and four touchdowns in his return to Northern California. Martin retired quietly after the 2018 season.
Doug Martin Gone Way Too Soon After Hanging Up Jersey
The news shocked fans due to Martin’s young age. The Buccaneers selected Martin with the No. 31 pick in the 2012 draft. He became a fan favorite during his Tampa Bay tenure.
Martin joins a troubling pattern. Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead Monday in a Florida hotel room at age 38 in February 2021. Jackson had Stage 2 CTE at the time of his death, his family announced.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner said Vincent Jackson died from chronic alcohol use and that the manner of his death was natural.
In the months leading up to his death, Jackson suffered from depression, progressive memory loss, mood swings, paranoia and extreme social isolation.
The Tampa Bay community mourned both losses. The Buccaneers said in a statement that Martin was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time.
The investigation into Martin’s death continues. Multiple agencies will review the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s incident.
