Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin has died at the age of 36, his family said in a statement Sunday.
âIt is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,â the family said, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman.
The 2012 first-round pick (31st overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played seven seasons in the NFL. He concluded his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Martinâs cause of death was not immediately announced.
Martin Finished His Career with Raiders
Martin signed a one-year deal with the Raiders in March 2018 after six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he made two Pro Bowls (2012, 2015) and was first-team All-Pro in 2015.
The Oakland, Calif., native took over as the featured back following an injury to Marshawn Lynch and wound up rushing for 723 yards and four touchdowns on 172 carries in 16 games (nine starts). Martin added 18 catches for 116 yards.
Martin ran for 100 yards in each of his last two games, running for 107 yards and a touchdown in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. In the regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, Martin had another 100 yards on the ground.
For his career, Martin rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns and also had 148 catches for 1,207 yards and two scores.
Martin Made an Instant Impact With Bucs
Drafted 31st overall out of Boise State in 2012, Martin wasted no time acclimating to the NFL. As a rookie, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 251 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries in a Week 8 win over Oakland that went down as one of the best single-game performances in league history.
Martin ran for another 1,402 yards and six touchdowns in 2015, becoming the first Buccaneers running back to be named first-team All-Pro.
The following offseason, Martin signed a five-year, $35.75 million extension to remain with Tampa Bay. Later that season, Martin was suspended four games for violating the NFLâs substance abuse policy. Martin said he planned to enter a treatment facility for Adderall.
Former NFL Players Remember Martin
After news of Martinâs death, tributes poured in across social media.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor Martin, writing, âRest in Peace to Doug Martin. Gone way too soon at the age of 36.â
Ex-NFL running back LeâVeon Bell chimed in as well, saying, âRIP Doug Martin ⦠life is such a fragile thing, tell your loved ones you love them.â
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