Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Dies in Oakland Police Custody After Reported Break-In

OAKLAND, CA — October 20, 2025: Former NFL running back Doug Martin has been identified as the man who died while in Oakland Police Department custody early Saturday morning, following a reported break-in and subsequent medical emergency. The incident has left both the sports world and the Bay Area community reeling, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the 36-year-old athlete’s unexpected death.

According to a statement released by the Oakland Police Department (OPD), officers responded to a call around 3:45 a.m. Saturday regarding a suspected break-in at a residence in the Lake Merritt neighborhood. When officers arrived, they encountered Martin inside the home. Authorities said that during the encounter, Martin appeared disoriented and agitated. Officers detained him without the use of force, but moments later, he began experiencing what they described as a “medical emergency.”

Emergency medical services were immediately requested, and officers reportedly performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Martin was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Alameda County Coroner’s Office confirmed Martin’s identity Sunday morning. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death, though toxicology results are still pending. Police have stated that there is no indication of foul play at this time, but the case remains under investigation by both OPD’s Internal Affairs Division and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which routinely reviews all in-custody deaths.

Martin’s sudden passing has shocked the sports community. Known as “The Muscle Hamster,” Doug Martin was a standout running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played six seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections. Drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State University, Martin quickly became one of the league’s most explosive offensive talents, recording more than 1,400 rushing yards in his rookie season.

After his retirement from professional football in 2019, Martin largely stayed out of the public spotlight. Friends and former teammates have expressed deep sadness over the news, remembering him as a fierce competitor on the field and a kind, humble man off of it. “Doug was one of the hardest workers I ever played with,” said a former teammate. “He loved the game, but he also cared about people. This news is just devastating.”

Neighbors in the Oakland area described the scene as chaotic but tragic. One resident told reporters they awoke to sirens and saw first responders attempting to revive Martin on the sidewalk. “It was shocking to realize who it was,” the resident said. “You never expect something like that to happen here, let alone to someone like him.”

Martin’s family released a brief statement through their attorney, expressing heartbreak and asking for privacy. “Doug was a beloved son, brother, and friend,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened by his passing and ask that the public and media respect our family’s need for space and understanding as we await answers.”

The Oakland Police Department has pledged full transparency in its investigation, emphasizing that body-worn camera footage from responding officers is being reviewed. The department also stated that it will cooperate with independent oversight to ensure accountability and public trust.

As fans, teammates, and loved ones process the shocking loss, tributes have poured in from across the NFL community. Former coaches and players have taken to social media to honor Martin’s legacy, celebrating not only his athletic achievements but also his perseverance and heart.

“Doug Martin was more than a great player — he was a great man,” one message read. “He gave everything he had to the game and to the people around him. He will be deeply missed.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The family has indicated that a public memorial may be held in the coming weeks to celebrate Martin’s life and legacy.

For now, those who admired Doug Martin — as an athlete, a teammate, and a person — are left to mourn the loss of a man whose journey from the football field to life beyond the game ended far too soon.