Former Buccaneers Star Doug Martin Dies at 36

Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died at the age of 36, according to a statement released by his family on Sunday.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Doug Martin passed away on Saturday morning,” the family said, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons, described him as “a fan favorite” who made “a lasting impact on our franchise.”

Standing just 5-foot-9, Martin was known for his physical, hard-nosed running style, earning him the nickname “Muscle Hamster.” Over his NFL career, he amassed 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.

A first-round draft pick (No. 31 overall) in 2012 out of Boise State University, Martin made an immediate impact as a rookie — rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score. His breakout season earned him a Pro Bowl selection and placed him third all-time for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Eric Dickerson (1984) and Edgerrin James (1999).

Martin’s best season came in 2015, when he ran for 1,402 yards, scored six touchdowns, and was named All-Pro. After leaving Tampa Bay, he finished his career in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders.

A California native, Martin starred at Boise State from 2007 to 2011, where he remains among the program’s top ten in both career rushing yards and touchdowns. He was a two-time first-team all-conference selection.