Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died while in police custody, the Oakland Police Department confirmed. He was 36.
In a news release posted to Facebook on Saturday, the OPD announced an in-custody death which occurred just after 4:15 a.m. that day.
On Monday, the OPD confirmed to NBC News that the individual who died in custody was Doug Martin.
“Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland,” the OPD said. “While responding officers were attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive.”
Paramedics then arrived at the scene and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died, police said.
The OPD told NBC News that this is an ongoing investigation.
The Buccaneers released a statement about Martin’s death on social media Sunday evening.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” his former team wrote.
“From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.”
Martin’s family and representative did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment.
In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, Martin’s family said, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning.”
“Cause of death is currently unconfirmed,” the statement said. “Please respect our privacy at this time.”
A first-round pick at No. 31 out of Boise State, Martin began his NFL career as a Buccaneer in 2012. He had a standout rookie season, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 TDs and catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score in his first season, earning him a Pro Bowl nod. Martin’s rookie season total of 1,926 yards from scrimmage was the third-highest in NFL history at the time.
In 2015, Martin had his best season, finishing second in rushing in the NFL with 1,402 yards and six TDs. He had 33 catches for 271 yards and another score that season, earning him an All-Pro nod and securing his second Pro Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) stretches before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y.Adrian Kraus / AP file
Martin played for the Buccaneers for two more seasons, and then finished his NFL career in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders, before the team relocated to Las Vegas.
“The Raiders Family was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Doug Martin,” the team said Sunday on social media.
“A native of Stockton, Calif., Martin joined the Silver and Black in 2018 after six seasons in Tampa Bay, and he led the Raiders with 723 rushing yards that season,” the statement said. “A two-time Pro Bowl selection out of Boise State, Martin rushed for over 5,000 yards with 30 touchdowns in his pro career. The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug’s family at this time.”
