The family of former Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday that Martin has died at the age of 36.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” the family’s statement read.
Martin was selected by the Buccaneers with the 31st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after a stellar college career at Boise State. In his final two seasons with the Broncos he put up 2,559 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, 593 receiving yards, and
four receiving touchdowns. The 5’9, 210-pound running back’s physique and his tough running style earned him the nickname “Muscle Hamster.”
He spent six of his seven NFL seasons with the team that drafted him, putting up 4,633 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 1,091 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2012, and to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2015. He also earned First-Team All Pro honors in 2015 for his 1,402-yard, seven-touchdown season (six on the ground, and one through the air) — the best season of his career. The Oakland native spent his final NFL season with the Raiders before calling it a career after the 2018 season.
The Buccaneers also released a statement about Martin’s passing.
No cause of death has been confirmed at this time. We will update this story if more information becomes available.
Rest in peace, Doug Martin, and our condolences to his loved ones.
