OAKLAND, Calif. — Former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin passed away after a struggle with police officers investigating a break-in in Oakland. Best remembered for his electrifying career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Martin became unresponsive while being arrested on Saturday morning. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital at the age of 36. The Alameda County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
According to police, a brief struggle occurred during the detention. Martin’s struggle with mental health has been well-documented, and former agent Brian Murphy reported that Martin felt overwhelmed before fleeing his home and entering a neighbor’s house, where police found him.
“Our condolences are with his family and loved ones,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Martin was a first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft, rushing for over 5,000 yards throughout his six-year career. His untimely death highlights the importance of addressing mental health in sports.
According to police, a brief struggle occurred during the detention. Martin’s struggle with mental health has been well-documented, and former agent Brian Murphy reported that Martin felt overwhelmed before fleeing his home and entering a neighbor’s house, where police found him.
“Our condolences are with his family and loved ones,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Martin was a first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft, rushing for over 5,000 yards throughout his six-year career. His untimely death highlights the importance of addressing mental health in sports.
