Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has passed away at the age of 36, as confirmed by his family on Sunday afternoon. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many remembering his impactful career both in college and the NFL.
A sudden loss
Details surrounding Martin’s death remain unclear, but his family released a statement through Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, confirming that he died on Saturday morning.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” the statement read. “Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
The Buccaneers and Boise State both issued statements honoring Martin later that day. The Buccaneers expressed their sorrow:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.”
A standout career
Martin was selected by the Buccaneers with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after a stellar college career at Boise State. He spent seven seasons in the league, with six of those years in Tampa Bay. Known as the “Muscle Hamster,” Martin was a force on the field, racking up back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons to close out his college career. He played a significant role in Boise State’s undefeated 2009 season, contributing to their victory in the Fiesta Bowl.
In total, Martin recorded 17 100-yard games during his college career, finishing with 3,431 rushing yards, which still ranks in the top 10 all-time at Boise State. His contributions helped the Broncos achieve a remarkable 50-3 record during his four seasons under head coach Chris Petersen.
As fans and former teammates mourn the loss of Martin, his legacy as a talented running back and a beloved figure in both college and professional football will not be forgotten.