OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The NFL community is mourning the loss of Doug Martin, who tragically passed away after a police encounter while they investigated a break-in in Oakland. The former All-Pro running back, well-known for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was just 36 years old.
The Oakland Police Department reported that Martin became unresponsive during the engagement and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The cause of death has yet to be determined, pending an autopsy by the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.
According to authorities, Martin was involved in a break-in and a "brief struggle" ensued when officers attempted to detain him, leading to the unfortunate turn of events. His former agent, Brian Murphy, shared that Martin had faced significant mental health challenges that greatly affected his life.
Despite his struggles, Murphy noted that Martin's family had been proactive in seeking medical help for him. The situation escalated when Martin allegedly fled to a neighbor's house after feeling overwhelmed. Murphy expressed that ultimately, mental illness became an insurmountable opponent for Martin.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee extended condolences to Martin's family, highlighting not only his achievements on the field but also the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. An investigation is currently ongoing by multiple local authorities.
Martin was a standout player who entered the NFL as the 31st overall pick in the 2012 draft after an impressive collegiate career at Boise State. He rushed for over 5,000 yards and made a significant impact with the Buccaneers, even earning spots on the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams during his tenure.
The news of Martin's sudden passing has garnered widespread reactions within the NFL community, including heartfelt tributes from the Buccaneers, who acknowledged his lasting impact on the franchise.
