Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Tragically Passes Away At 36
UPDATE: New details have been released regarding Martin’s death. He reportedly died while in custody of the police in Oakland, California. The running back ha reportedly broken into a home over the weekend and became “unresponsive” while in police custody.
It is always a gut punch when you hear about one of the good ones leaving us too soon. The NFL world is reeling today with the news that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Running Back Doug Martin has passed away at the shockingly young age of 36.
Reports from TMZ Sports confirmed the tragic news, though details surrounding his death remain scarce. For those of us who watched him play, it feels like just yesterday he was bursting onto the scene, a cannonball of a player who ran with a fury that made you lean a little closer to the TV.
Remembering the “Muscle Hamster”
Tragedy: Former #Bucs RB Doug Martin has passed away. He was just 36 years old.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/Ehx4R5AEQ0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 19, 2025
Doug Martin, affectionately and sometimes ridiculously nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster,” was an absolute force of nature when he was on. A first-round pick out of Boise State in 2012, Martin didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them. He exploded in his rookie season, gashing defenses for over 1,400 rushing yards and looking every bit like the future of the league.
He had that rare combination of power and agility that made him a nightmare for defenders. One minute, he’d lower his shoulder and run you over, the next he’d hit you with a spin move that left you grasping at air. That rookie year was electric, but it was his 2015 season that truly cemented his legacy. He came back with a vengeance, rushing for another 1,400-yard season, earning a first-team All-Pro nod, and reminding everyone just how dominant he could be. He was, for a time, one of the most exciting players to watch on any given Sunday.
A Career of Highs and Heartbreak
Football is a brutal sport, and Martin’s career was a testament to that. After those brilliant peaks, injuries began to take their toll. A shoulder injury here, a groin injury there—it’s the familiar, heartbreaking story for so many running backs. The “what-ifs” will always linger. What if he had stayed healthy? But that’s the cruel reality of the game.
He wrapped up his career with his hometown Oakland Raiders, a poetic final chapter for the kid from Oakland, California. While his time in the league was shorter than many would have liked, his impact was undeniable. He finished with over 5,300 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, numbers that only hint at the excitement he brought to the field.
The news of his passing hits hard. It is another sad reminder that these larger-than-life figures we cheer for are human, vulnerable, and their time is just as precious as anyone else’s. Thirty-six is just too young. For now, the NFL community mourns the loss of a player who, at his best, was simply unstoppable. Rest in peace, Doug Martin. You will be missed.
