Family of Doug Martin Issues Statement on Sudden Death
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin passed away this weekend at the age of 36, his family said.
News of Martin's death was first reported by TMZ earlier today. It has since been confirmed by other outlets, and now by the two-time Pro Bowler's family.
Fox Sports' Greg Auman, who has covered the Buccaneers for more than a decade, published a statement from Martin's family Sunday afternoon.
"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 statement reads.
Former Bucs running back Doug Martin has passed away at age 36.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 19, 2025
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."
As of now, no cause of death has been reported, and Martin's family themselves are either unsure or unwilling to speculate.
"A source with direct knowledge confirmed to TMZ Martin passed away recently … though they did not share any further details,” TMZ wrote.
Remembering the 'Muscle Hamster'
Nicknamed the "Muscle Hamster" due to his stocky, well-built 5-foot-9, 210-pound frame, Martin was the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State.
His impact on the Buccaneers was immediate. As a rookie, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns on 319 carries, adding 49 receptions for 472 yards and one touchdown.
Martin's most impressive performance was his 251-yard, four touchdown outing in a win over the Raiders in his rookie season. Injuries limited Martin to only 17 games played in 2013 and 2014, but he bounced back with 1,402 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2015, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time.
Martin spent two more seasons in Tampa before finishing his career with Oakland in 2018. An Oakland native, Martin rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns in 84 NFL regular season games.
He still owns six Buccaneers franchise rushing records and is tied for the NFL mark for most rushing TDs in a single half with four.