Former NFL running back Doug Martin has died while in police custody after being arrested following a reported break-in at a home near the Oakland Zoo in California.
According to The East Bay Times, which cited anonymous sources, police responded to a call about a burglary early Saturday. Officers reportedly found Martin at the scene and attempted to arrest him, but a “brief struggle” ensued. Authorities say the suspect then appeared to experience a medical emergency and became unresponsive shortly after being taken into custody.
Emergency medical personnel provided first aid at the scene before Martin was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Oakland Police confirmed that officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure pending investigations.
The cause of death is yet to be determined, and a joint investigation involving multiple agencies is ongoing.
Who Was Doug Martin?
Doug Martin, 36, was born in Oakland, California, and raised in Stockton, where he attended St. Mary’s High School. A gifted athlete, he excelled in both football and track and field. As a junior, he rushed for 1,950 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning several regional honors. He continued to shine during his senior year, posting 1,234 yards and 14 touchdowns, and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Martin’s athletic ability extended to track, where he recorded impressive marks—an 11.15-second 100-meter dash and standout jumps in both long and triple jump events.
He went on to play college football at Boise State University, committing in 2006 despite interest from larger programs such as California and Oregon State. At Boise State, Martin became one of the most productive running backs in the program’s history, finishing third all-time with 43 rushing touchdowns and fifth with 3,431 rushing yards.
Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for his combination of power and compact build, Martin earned first-team All-Mountain West and All-WAC honors during his college career.
Martin was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s top running backs, recording two Pro Bowl appearances and rushing for over 1,400 yards in his rookie season.
Over seven seasons in the NFL, Martin played for the Buccaneers and later the Oakland Raiders, retiring with 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
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