The NFL is mourning the death of former football star Doug Martin. His death was preceded by a police operation following a burglary, reportedly a scuffle with officers. Various authorities are investigating.
21.10.2025, 03:10
21.10.2025, 08:21
SDA
The exact cause of the death of the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders football player is to be determined by an autopsy, according to the Oakland police in the US state of California.
"Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a burglary at an Oakland residence," the statement said. During an attempt to arrest the 36-year-old, a scuffle broke out between him and police officers. Martin was eventually taken into custody and was no longer responsive. He was taken to hospital and died there.
Family reports mental problems
Martin's family released a statement via his former agent stating that the ex-professional had mental problems: "This was the one opponent he couldn't outrun." On the night of the police operation, his family turned to the authorities for help. Martin fled his home and went to a neighbor's house nearby
Several authorities are now investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the former professional athlete. The mayor of Oakland expressed her condolences to Martin's family. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for whom Martin played six seasons, spoke in a statement of the "great influence" the professional had on the team.
Martin lined up as a running back and scored 30 touchdowns in his career on running plays and two on caught balls. He was twice nominated for the Pro Bowl for the best player of a season and was also selected once to the NFL All-Pro team. He played his last game in December 2018.
