Former Raiders player died after struggling with officers, police say

OAKLAND, Calif. — Former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin died after a struggle with police officers who were taking him into custody while they were investigating a break-in at a home in Oakland, police said Monday.

Martin, best known for his stellar career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, became unresponsive after being arrested early Saturday, according to a statement released by the Oakland Police Department.

He was transported by paramedics to a hospital where he died, police said. He was 36. A cause of death has not been released. An autopsy will be conducted, the Alameda County Coroner’s Office said.

Police said in a statement that Martin was involved in a break-in and that a “brief struggle” happened as police were attempting to detain him. The department did not release any other details.

Martin, originally from Oakland, lived in Stockton, where he played high school football. His family issued a statement over the weekend asking for privacy as they grieve.

Police and Oakland’s mayor said they had reached out to the family.

“We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones,” Mayor Barbara Lee said Monday in a statement.

His death is being investigated by police, the city police commission, the community police review agency and the county district attorney’s office.

NFL history

Martin was the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft after a standout career at Boise State. He rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

He was named first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl again after rushing for 1,402 yards and six TDs in 2015.

Martin finished his career with 5,356 yards rushing and 30 TDs in six seasons with the Buccaneers and one with the Raiders. He also had 148 catches for 1,207 yards and two scores.

After six seasons in Tampa Bay, Martin signed with the Raiders in 2018, where he provided veteran leadership and rushed for 723 yards and four touchdowns in what would be his final NFL season.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,” the Buccaneers said in a statement. “Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.”

Martin was selected one of the top 50 players in franchise history as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Career highlights

Born in Stockton, Calif., Martin made his mark at Boise State University, where he became one of the most productive running backs in program history. During his four-year career, he rushed for more than 3,400 yards and 43 touchdowns, helping the Broncos maintain national prominence under coach Chris Petersen.

His standout performance in the 2011 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas, where he earned MVP honors, solidified his status as an NFL-ready prospect. Martin rushed for 151 yards and returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Boise’s 56-24 victory over Arizona State.

The Bucs selected Martin in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft (31st overall), and he wasted no time making an impact. As a rookie, Martin rushed for 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, adding another 472 yards through the air. His unforgettable 251-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Raiders remains one of the greatest single-game outings in team history.

Though his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, including another 1,400-yard rushing season in 2015, it was also marred by injuries and off-field challenges. In 2016, Martin was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after testing positive for a banned substance. He later sought treatment and publicly expressed regret, vowing to rebuild his health and reputation.

After six seasons in Tampa Bay, Martin signed with the Raiders in 2018, where he provided veteran leadership and rushed for 723 yards and four touchdowns in what would be his final NFL season.

Martin retired quietly after the 2018 campaign, leaving behind a complicated but impactful legacy. In total, he rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns over seven seasons. His 4,633 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns with Tampa Bay still place him among the Bucs’ all-time greats at the position.

— Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times contributed to this report.