Copyright Men's Journal
New details are coming to light in the sudden death of ex-NFL player Doug Martin, who has died at the age of 36. Martin’s death shocked fans due to his young age. He was a running back for top teams like the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a two-time Pro Bowl player. According to local affiliate KTVU-TV, Martin died in the custody of the Oakland Police Department. Sources told KTVU that Martin “died in a hospital after he became unresponsive following his arrest by OPD officers who were responding to reports of a possible break-in.” Oakland police confirmed the break-in report in a statement, but they did not name Martin. They said the suspect in the break-in engaged in a brief struggle with police and then went unresponsive at the scene. He was a suspect in that break-in, the television station reported. Martin’s family told a reporter that his cause of death is “unconfirmed.” Martin’s family released a brief statement to Greg Auman, a Fox Sports reporter. The circumstances of Martin’s death remain mysterious. Auman wrote on X: “Former Bucs running back Doug Martin has passed away at age 36.” He also posted the statement from Martin’s family, which read: “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.” Doug Martin Was Accused of Resisting Arrest, the Report Says According to KTVU, police said Martin, 36, resisted arrest after Oakland police identified him as a suspect in the break-in. The incident occurred “about 4:15 a.m. on Saturday to a home in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street,” the television station reported. According to a statement from Oakland police, “OPD is investigating an In Custody Death. The incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m. on 10/18/25, in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. Officers responded to the area for an individual who had broken into a nearby residence.” In a lengthier news release issued on October 18, Oakland police wrote: “The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating an In Custody Death. The incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m. on October 18, 2025, in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. Officers responded to the area for an individual who had broken into a nearby residence Simultaneously, officers were notified of an individual who was experiencing a medical emergency and was believed to be the same individual related to the break-in.” Upon arrival, the release continues, “officers located the individual inside the residence. While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.” They added: “Paramedic personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the individual to an area hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, the individual later died at the hospital.” “In accordance with OPD policy, the officer(s) involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave,” the release continued. “Consistent with OPD policy, the In Custody Death is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA), and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office,” it adds. “The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency. However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the release of information must be limited at this time. Additional details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.”
