Former NFL star Doug Martin dies while in California police custody: Report

Former NFL star running back Doug Martin has reportedly died while in police custody in California. 

He was 36.

What we know:

Martin’s family announced via a statement that he died on Saturday, October 18. 

Hours prior to the family’s announcement, the Oakland Police Department had launched an in-custody death investigation at a home in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street.

According to Oakland PD, that home was at the center of two separate emergency calls: an alleged break-in and a medical emergency. When police arrived at the scene, they found a person inside the home and officers in Oakland placed them in custody.

During the process of detaining the said person, Oakland PD said a “brief struggle ensued,” but that person was eventually placed in custody. While in custody, the aforementioned individual allegedly suffered a medical emergency and was pronounced dead at the hospital, Oakland PD said.

FOX 11’s sister station KTVU-TV reportedly identified Martin as the person placed in custody.

What we don’t know:

The cause of Martin’s death has not been announced as of Sunday, October 19. It is unknown what prompted Oakland PD to detain Martin.

In a news release published on October 18, Oakland PD labeled the person who died while in custody as an “individual” but never explicitly named that person a suspect. The civilian mentioned in Oakland PD’s Oct. 18 was also never explicitly identified as a person of interest.

The backstory:

Martin, known by football fans as “Muscle Hamster” or the “Dougernaut,” was named All-Pro in 2015 and earned two Pro Bowl nods (2012 and 2015) in his seven seasons in the NFL.

Among the NFL circles, the California native was mostly known for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he finished his career with then-Oakland Raiders. Prior to the league, Martin starred with Boise State, where he was named All-Mountain West Conference in 2011.

Prior to playing for the Boise State Broncos, Martin attended St. Mary’s High School in Stockton.

TMZ first broke the news of Martin’s death before Boise State and the Buccaneers published tributes on social media honoring the former running back:

What they’re saying:

Martin’s family issued a statement, obtained earlier by FOX Sports, announcing the 36-year-old’s death:

“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.”

The Bucs released the following statement in response to Martin’s death on the team’s social media pages:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin.

From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.

He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”

This story was reported from Los Angeles.

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