Former NFL player Doug Martin dies in police custody in California

Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin, known for his remarkable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 while in police custody in California. The Oakland Police Department reported that Martin died following an alleged home break-in and a subsequent struggle with officers on Saturday. According to the department, Martin became unresponsive during the altercation and was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his condition. His family confirmed his death but stated that the cause remains unconfirmed, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expressed profound sorrow over his sudden passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the franchise. Born in Oakland, California, Martin was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and quickly made a name for himself, rushing for 1,454 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. Despite his success, Martin faced challenges, including injuries and a four-game suspension in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy. He later played for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2018. Martin’s legacy as a talented and resilient player continues to be remembered by fans and the NFL community.