The Tampa Bay Buccaneers community is still trying to wrap their heads around the sudden and shocking passing of former first-round pick and Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin, whose death at age 36 was confirmed by media outlets on Sunday afternoon.
Previous reports had confirmed that Martin had died while in Oakland police custody after reports of a home invasion in the area on Saturday. Martin's agents brought new information to light that paints a clear picture as to what exactly happened in his final days.
Athletes First and CEO Brian Murphy confirmed that Martin "battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life." Martin's family reportedly sought medical assistance for him and called authorities for help. In the course of this incident, Martin fled the family home at night and entered a neighbor's house two doors down.
Martin was taken into custody after the incident, and an investigation as to what happened when he was detained is underway. Martin was also heralded as a giving soul who was "serving the communities of Boise, Idaho, Stockton and Oakland, California, where his generosity and spirit were well known."
Former agency of Buccaneers RB Doug Martin shares info after death at 36
Martin made two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team with the Buccaneers. His two best years in Bucs pewter came during his rookie year in 2012 and the 2015 campaign, as the former Boise State star managed to run for more than 1,400 yards in both of those seasons.
Martin finished his seven-year career, which also included a one-year stint with the Oakland Raiders, with 5,356 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. Only Warrick Dunn, Mike Alstott, and James Wilder have more rushing yards as a Buccaneer than Martin, and only Alstott and Wilder have more rushing touchdowns.
Martin is one of multiple 2013 Buccaneers players to pass away early. Wide receiver Mike Williams passed in 2023 at age 36 following a worksite accident, Vincent Jackson died at 38 years old in 2021, and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim died in 2017 at just 30 years old.
The Buccaneers community is still reeling from this loss, and Martin's years of meritorious service will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt condonelces go out to the Martin family during what is a very crushing emotional time for them.