Doug Martin, the former NFL running back celebrated for his electrifying play and resilience on the field, died early Saturday morning, October 18, 2025, while in Oakland Police custody. Martin, 36, was taken into custody after police responded to a reported break-in at a home on Ettrick Street, near the Oakland Zoo in East Oakland, according to multiple news outlets including ABC7 News and KTVU. The incident, marked by a brief struggle and a subsequent medical emergency, has left the sports world and Martin’s hometown communities in shock, while sparking investigations by several oversight agencies.
According to the Oakland Police Department (OPD), officers were called to the 11000 block of Ettrick Street around 4:15 a.m. on October 18 after receiving reports of a residential break-in. At the same time, dispatchers received notice that the individual involved was experiencing a medical emergency. Upon arrival, officers found Martin inside the home. As they attempted to detain him, a brief struggle ensued. Shortly after being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive, as reported by Bay Area News Group and East Bay Times.
Paramedics were summoned to the scene and provided medical aid before transporting Martin to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, Martin was pronounced dead later that morning. The precise cause of death remains unconfirmed, pending further investigation and the results of a coroner’s report. In keeping with departmental policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.
Martin’s family released a statement the following day, confirming his passing and requesting privacy during this difficult time. “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 family said, as reported by KTVU and East Bay Times.
The OPD’s homicide and internal affairs units, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office are all conducting parallel investigations into the circumstances of Martin’s death, according to statements provided to ABC7 News and Mercury News. The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau has not yet released additional information, citing the ongoing status of the case.
Doug Martin’s journey to NFL stardom began in Oakland, where he was born, and continued in Stockton, where he grew up and attended St. Mary’s High School. His former high school coach, Tony Franks, recalled Martin as a “terrific young man” with a “happy-go-lucky free spirit” and remarkable athletic gifts. “He had such natural strength, leg strength, body strength,” Franks told Bay Area News Group. “The force he could create by accelerating was just tremendous.”
Martin’s football prowess carried him to Boise State University, where he played from 2007 to 2011. There, he rushed for more than 3,400 yards and 43 touchdowns, becoming the third-leading rusher in the program’s history and earning two first-team all-conference honors. His collegiate success paved the way for his selection as the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Martin made an immediate impact in the NFL. His rookie season remains one of the most memorable in franchise history: he rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, caught 49 passes for 472 yards and another score, and earned a Pro Bowl selection. At the time, his total yards from scrimmage ranked third among all NFL rookies, trailing only legends Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James, according to ABC7 News. His breakout performance—a 251-yard, four-touchdown game against the Raiders at the Coliseum—cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for his compact, powerful running style, Martin continued to impress throughout his seven-season career. His best year came in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns and added 33 receptions for 271 yards and another touchdown, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a second Pro Bowl appearance.
But Martin’s career was not without challenges. In 2016, he was suspended for four games after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He later sought treatment and publicly expressed regret, vowing to rebuild his health and reputation, as noted in the Tampa Bay Times and East Bay Times. Despite these setbacks, Martin remained a respected figure in the league and among fans.
After six seasons with Tampa Bay, Martin returned to his roots in Northern California, signing with the Oakland Raiders for the 2018 season. He rushed for 723 yards and four touchdowns that year before quietly retiring from professional football. Over the course of his NFL career, Martin amassed 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in 84 games, leaving a lasting legacy on both franchises he represented.
Tributes poured in from across the NFL following the news of his passing. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers called him a “fan favorite” and honored him among their Top 50 players of all time. “Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise,” the team said in a statement reported by East Bay Times. The Raiders, now based in Las Vegas, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug’s family at this time.”
Martin’s death has rattled the Oakland community and the broader football world, raising questions about the circumstances that led to his fatal medical emergency in police custody. The ongoing investigations by multiple agencies aim to provide clarity and accountability, though the process may take weeks or months to yield definitive answers.
For many who knew Martin, both on and off the field, his passing is a profound loss. “This is such a tragic loss,” said Coach Tony Franks. “Our prayers go out to his family and his teammates and his friends, and he had a bunch of them. There are a lot of people who are really grieving tonight.”
As the investigations continue, Martin’s legacy as an athlete and as a person remains firmly etched in the memories of his fans, teammates, and loved ones. His story, marked by remarkable highs and deeply human struggles, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity and fragility of life—on and off the gridiron.
