Former NFL running back Doug Martin reportedly died while in police custody in Oakland.
According to The East Bay Times, the 36-year-old died at hospital after being contacted by officers who were responding to reports of a break in at a home in East Oakland.
Police responded to a call about a break-in just after 4:15am on Saturday morning in a neighborhood near the Oakland Zoo.
The Oakland Police Department said in a statement that, at the same time, they also received a call that the suspected burglar was having ‘a medical emergency’.
It is then claimed officers had a ‘brief struggle’ with the suspected burglar, who became unresponsive after being taken into custody.
The burglar was given treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital, where they later died.
Former NFL running back Doug Martin reportedly died while in police custody on Saturday
Martin, pictured at the NFL Honors awards in 2016, reportedly had a ‘brief struggle’ with police
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has not yet identified the person who died or given a cause of death.
The police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave.
A statement released by Martin’s family asked for ‘privacy at this time.’
It read: ‘It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed.’
Martin, who last played in the NFL in 2018, was nicknamed the ‘Muscle Hamster’ for his bruising playing style at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds.
He had been a standout at Boise State for four years of college football before then getting drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Martin spent six seasons with the franchise.
He was twice named to the Pro Bowl and once received an All-Pro nod during his time in Tampa Bay before finishing his career with the then Oakland Raiders in the 2018-2019 season.
Martin established himself as one of the best running backs in the league during his time on the field.
He totaled 5,356 yards and ran in 30 touchdowns, while adding more than 1,200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers led the tributes to their former running back, honoring Martin and his lasting impact on the franchise.
Martin was dubbed the ‘Muscle Hamster’ for his bruising playing style at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds
‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,’ a statement from the team read. ‘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.
‘He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.’
Tributes from elsewhere around the football community poured in shortly after the reports of Martin’s passing broke, including from his former school, Boise State.
The Broncos’ football team honored the legend in a statement acknowledging Martin’s achievements.
‘Rest in peace to a Bronco legend. You will be missed,’ the team’s X account wrote.
