Doug Martin, former Boise State and Buccaneers RB, dies

Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died, his family said in a statement Sunday.

He was 36.

“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” the family said in a statement released to multiple outlets. “Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”

Tampa Bay, where Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons, called him a “fan favorite” who made “a lasting impact on our franchise.” He was selected one of the top 50 players in franchise history as part of its 50-year anniversary celebration.

Just 5-foot-9, Martin was known for his bruising style, earning him the nickname the “Muscle Hamster,” while amassing 5,356 and 30 touchdowns over his NFL career.

A former Boise State star, he was a first-round pick (No. 31) of Tampa Bay in 2012 and immediately burst onto the scene, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 TDs and catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score in his first season, which resulted in a Pro Bowl nod. At the time, he had the third-most yards from scrimmage as a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Eric Dickerson (2,212 in 1984) and Edgerrin James (2,139 in 1999).

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 Raiders.

A California native, Martin attended Boise State from 2007 to 2011, and he ranks in the top 10 for career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns at the school. He was twice a first-team all-conference honoree.