An absolute tragedy dropped out of nowhere on Sunday with news that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has died at the age of 36.
Rumors had been swirling on social media since Saturday, but TMZ confirmed that Martin had died on Sunday afternoon. No cause of death was given, and no further details were released regarding his sudden and untimely passing.
Martin was -- and still is -- a household name for Bucs fans who remember the man we all called Muscle Hamster well. He burst onto the scene during his rookie season back in 2012, ultimately playing six seasons in Tampa Bay before finishing his career with the Raiders.
When all was said and done, Martin rushed for 5,356 yards and ran in 30 touchdowns in what was an seven-year career.
It was Martin's time with the Buccaneers -- where he spent the bulk of his career -- that he'll be remembered for the best. Specifically, his rookie season ranks among the very best in franchise history, as he broke Cadillac Williams' single-season rookie rushing record with 1,454 yards.
Martin was a Pro Bowler in his first season and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team, but his momentum was stunted after an injury ended his second season early. That set the stage for a tremendous comeback in 2015, when Martin went off for 1,402 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, which earned him a second Pro Bowl selection and a massive new contract extension from the Bucs.
He didn't end up playing out his five-year, $35.75 million contract extension with Tampa Bay, and was eventually released two years later. Martin finished his career with a one-year stint in Oakland but he'll forever be remembered in Tampa for what he did off the field as much as he did on it.
Martin was well-known around the area for his work with local charities and hospitals. He was also one of the most like and beloved Bucs in a period where there wasn't much to enjoy, which endeared him both to fans and teammates alike.
That's the legacy he'll leave behind, and it's an unfathomable tragedy that Doug Martin only had 36 years to leave his mark.