Bay Area NFL Alum and Former Raiders Running Back Doug Martin Passes Away at 36

In a somber announcement, the family of Doug Martin, the former standout running back for both the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, confirmed his passing on Sunday. Martin, a celebrated figure in the world of professional football, was just 36 years old.

According to a family statement shared with the Tampa Bay Times, Martin passed away on Saturday morning. “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away,” the statement read, marking the end of a life that left an indelible mark on the NFL.

Born in Oakland, California, Martin was renowned for his powerful playing style despite his relatively smaller stature of 5-foot-9. This earned him the endearing nickname “Muscle Hamster.” Over the course of his seven-year career in the NFL, Martin accumulated an impressive 5,356 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns, primarily with the Buccaneers.

Martin’s journey to professional football began at Boise State, where his talents on the field led to his selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made an immediate impact in his rookie year, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns while also making 49 receptions for 472 yards and an additional touchdown. This stellar performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and placed him third for the most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only behind legends Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James.

The pinnacle of Martin’s career came in 2015, when he achieved All-Pro honors. That season, he rushed for 1,402 yards, scored six touchdowns, and made 33 receptions for 271 yards, adding another touchdown to his impressive record. His contributions on the field left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow players alike.

Martin’s best season came in his All-Pro year in 2015, when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six TDs and had 33 catches for 271 yards and another score.

He spent two more seasons in Tampa Bay after that, then finished his career in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders for one season.