Former NFL Star Doug Martin Dies at 36 After Collapsing During Oakland Police Custody
Written by b87fm on 10/20/2025
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin died Saturday morning at the age of 36 after collapsing while in Oakland police custody.
According to KTVU, Oakland police responded to a 911 call around 4:15 A.M. on Ettrick Street regarding a possible burglary and a person in medical distress. When officers arrived, they found Martin inside the residence.
Police say Martin briefly resisted as officers attempted to detain him. After being taken into custody, he became unresponsive. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” Martin’s family said in a statement. “Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating, along with independent reviews by the Oakland City Police Commission, Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.
Martin, a native of Stockton, California, rose to prominence as a standout at Boise State before being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. Known to fans as the “Muscle Hamster” for his explosive running style, he spent six seasons with Tampa Bay and ended his NFL career with the Raiders in 2018.
