Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, NFL All-Pro and 2-time Pro Bowl selection Doug Martin has died at 36 years old, according to a statement from his family on Sunday, October 19.
“Former Bucs and Raiders RB Doug Martin died Oct. 19, according to a statement from his family: ‘It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time,’ ” Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud wrote on X.
Martin was a first round pick by the Buccaneers out of Boise State in the 2012 NFL draft and played 8 seasons in the NFL — 7 seasons with the Buccaneers and one final season with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
As a rookie, Martin earned Pro Bowl honors as he rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. Martin rushed for over 1,400 yards again in 2015, when he was named to his second Pro Bowl, first team NFL All-Pro and finished fourth in NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting.
“Rest in peace to a Bronco legend,” Boise State football wrote on its official X account. “You will be missed.”
Social Media Reacts to Martin’s Shocking Death
There was an outpouring of support online following the death of Martin, who grew up in Stockton, California, cheering for the Raiders.
Martin, 5-foot-9 and 203 pounds, earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” and was a fan favorite during his time with the Buccaneers.
“R.I.P. to former NFL RB Doug Martin,” Tampa sport radio host Christopher Mathis wrote on X. “Here’s a flashback to a performance that’ll forever go down in Buccaneer history. 265 Yards & 4 TDs on 22 carries (against the Raiders).”
“Tragedy: Former Bucs RB Doug Martin has passed away,” The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov wrote on his official X account. “He was just 36 years old. RIP.”
“At Bucs UK, we are all deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our very own Doug Martin,” British Buccaneers fan account Bucs UK wrote on X. “We send our love & condolences to his family.”
“That’s four members of the 2013 Bucs team that have died before they got to 40: Doug Martin just yesterday at 36, Vincent Jackson at 38, Mike Williams at 35 and Daniel Te’o-Nesheim at age 30,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account/ “Such a sad concentration of loss.”
“RIP Doug Martin,” Snap Count Show co-host Trai Essex wrote on his official X account. “36 years young. It seems like so many young recently retired ball players are passing away lately. Brothas, take care of yourself and make sure you check in with your brothas. That’s goes for everyone, not just athletes. Praying deeply for the Martin family.”
“Man wtf, RIP Doug Martin .. life is such a fragile thing, tell your loved ones you love them .. ” former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell wrote on his official X account.
” ‘DAD, HOW GOOD WAS DOUG MARTIN IN HIS PRIME?’ ” ML Football wrote on its official X account. “Martin was one of the most dominant running backs in his prime. Rest in peace to a legend.”
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