Former NFL great Doug Martin dies.Tampa Bay, October 20, 2025 – American football has lost another star. Doug Martin, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro running back and Boise State great, died Saturday morning. The news of his untimely death at the age of 36 has come as a shock to fans, teammates, and the NFL community as a whole. The family verified the horrific news in a statement issued Sunday, but the reason why he died is not known. Let us honor this fearless warrior’s life, fight, and accomplishments and pay our respects.
Family’s emotional statement: “Please respect our privacy”
Doug Martin’s family paid their sincerest condolences in a statement to some news organizations. “We are saddened to share with you all that Doug Martin died Saturday morning. We do not yet know the cause of death. Respect our privacy at this time,” the family stated. Not only did these words convey the extent of their grief, but they also indicate the straightforward nature and family-oriented individual that Doug was. Doug’s parents, Leslie Baranco Martin (who is also an NFL agent) and Doug Martin Sr., were always his biggest supporters. Unfortunately, they lost him today.
Trai Essex, a former NFL player and friend, along with many others, are offering tribute on social media. “Doug was a true fighter, both on and off the field. RIP brother,” Essex posted. Fans are trending #RIPDougMartin on Twitter (now X), posting their memories.
From Boise State to the NFL: The Big Story of a Small Giant
Doug Martin was born in Oakland, California, where he showcased his ability by being named the MVP at St. Mary’s High School. He then attended Boise State University after graduating from high school with 1,234 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. While at Boise State between 2007 and 2011, Doug dominated the campus. He is among the top 10 in school history in terms of rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. A two-time first-team all-conference selection, Doug was MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl when his team won the game in his senior year. In a statement, the Boise State Athletics Department said, “Doug was one of our best running backs. He will always be a part of the Broncos family.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Doug in the first round (No. 31) of the 2012 NFL Draft. At just 5 feet 9 inches tall, Doug amazed everyone with his forceful running style. He was nicknamed “Muscle Hamster” because of his muscular, powerful build and brutal running. Also referred to as “Daughernaut,” Doug showed everyone that it doesn’t matter if you are short if you have passion.
NFL Career: Records, Pro Bowls, and Enduring Memories
Doug’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride. He burst in his first year (2012). He had 1,454 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 472 receiving yards on 49 receptions—a combined 1,926 scrimmage yards! That ranked the third-most in the NFL’s rookie year behind only Eric Dickerson (2,212) and Edgerrin James (2,139). Doug, who achieved four rushing touchdowns in one half of a game in NFL record, made him a Pro Bowl selection. He also has the franchise record for the Buccaneers in most rushing yards in one game at 251 and with an average of 74.2 per game.
His golden year was 2015. An All-Pro First-Team member, he emerged as the NFL’s second-best rusher, gaining 1,402 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and 271 receiving yards on 33 receptions. He gained a total of 1,673 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns! Apart from two Pro Bowl nods (2012 and 2015), Doug gained 5,356 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns, 1,207 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns in seven years. Gaining more than $22 million, Doug played six years in Tampa Bay, where he was a “fan favorite.” He was picked among the top-50 players of the franchise for their 50th anniversary.
He played his last year with the Oakland Raiders (currently Las Vegas) in 2018, where he accumulated 723 rushing yards. Doug’s legacy continues even after retirement. The Buccaneers released a statement saying, “Doug had a profound impact on our franchise. He will always be remembered.”
Doug Martin’s Legacy: An Inspiration That Will Never Die
Doug Martin was not a statistician’s compilation, but a dreamer with big dreams and small feet. His crushing running style inspired millions of people. From Boise State to the NFL, his path proves that hard work and passion can shatter any wall. On this day that we miss him, his legacy reminds us: Live in a way that makes memories last.
The NFL lost a number of its legends this year, including Tony Hutton in February (48 years young), but nothing is as sad as the loss of Doug. The investigation continues, particularly with Oakland police custody reported, but the family is most concerned about preserving their privacy in this moment.
We salute Doug Martin. RIP, Muscle Hamster. Like your running, your memories will never stop. Fans, if you have a personal story, please share it in the comments. NFL family unite.
