Doug Martin’s family announced Sunday that former NFL running back died on October 18, after being detained by Oakland Police. The statement was very brief like “Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Looks Like Doug Martin’s Death Followed a Police Struggle Gone Wrong
Looks Like Doug Martin’s Death Followed a Police Struggle Gone Wrong (Image credit: X/@henrykleeKTVU)
But new reports paint a darker picture. He died in Oakland police custody after being arrested following a suspected break-in near the Oakland Zoo. The “Muscle Hamster” reportedly became unresponsive during a fight with officers.
The most shocking part? He never made it home from that encounter and those Oakland cops are easy to blame following the incident.
Looks Like Doug Martin’s Death Followed a Police Struggle Gone Wrong
Oakland police responded to a break-in call just after 4:15 a.m. Saturday on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street in East Oakland. Officers were simultaneously notified the suspect was experiencing a medical emergency. Surprisingly, that suspect was none other than the late 36-year-old NFL star.
When police got to the house, they found Martin inside. Reportedly, there was a physical exchange between Doug Martin and the officers when they tried to arrest him. After they took him into custody, police reports said that he stopped responding. He then soon shifted to the hospital, but he died there.
The awkward death raised plenty of questions for sure. His cause of death has yet to be determined and awaits autopsy and toxicology results. However, the nature of Martin’s medical emergency also remains unspecified, according to local Fox affiliate.
The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau launched investigations into the in-custody death. Per abc7chicago, “His death is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s homicide and internal affairs units, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.”
UPDATE: New details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of former NFL running back Doug Martin, who passed away early Saturday morning at age 36 while in Oakland police custody, per multiple reports.
According to the East Bay Times and KTVU, officers were responding to… pic.twitter.com/QXHak5xmiT
— Preme Football (@premefootball) October 20, 2025
The latest is that officers involved in the incident have been placed under swift punishment. In the process, former FBI agent and law enforcement analyst Jennifer Coffindaffer tweeted about the developing story.
She wrote, “What happened to former Tampa Bay running back is coming to light. It is murky, but Doug Martin may have been in police custody when he died pursuant to an arrest. Recall, Martin had troubles in the past…”
What happened to former Tampa Bay running back is coming to light.
It is murky, but Doug Martin may have been in police custody when he died pursuant to an arrest.
Recall, Martin had troubles in the past…#NFL#DougMartin pic.twitter.com/6pgxWBrMxZ
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) October 20, 2025
The limited details and the number of agencies involved suggest there may be more to the story behind Doug Martin’s death.
The East Bay Times first reported Sunday that Martin was the man who died in police custody. KTVU and other outlets later confirmed his identity through multiple sources close to the investigation.
So, Martin’s death raises serious questions about what exactly transpired during that early morning arrest. Why was the first-round draft pick breaking into a home in his hometown? What caused his medical emergency? Did officers use appropriate force during the struggle?
Until the final report is released, more questions will surely arise. Hopefully, no serious findings come out and it will clear every suspense. Since the Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency, we can hope for the best outcome.