OAKLAND, CA — The family of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is speaking out about mental health struggles the NFL star faced after the 36-year-old died during a struggle with California officers on Saturday.
Through Athletes First and CEO Brian Murphy, previous representatives of Martin when he was a Buc, the family said he faced mental health concerns. They requested privacy during this time.
"Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run," the family said in the statement, as shared by NFL Network National Insider Ian Rapoport via X.
"Following recent media reports about Doug's untimely passing, the family wishes to clarify the circumstances. Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support."
A statement on the passing of Doug Martin, with his agent Brian Murphy of @AthletesFirst offering clarity and perspective: pic.twitter.com/pxULx4kAeZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2025
The night of his death, the family said the former star was "overwhelmed and disoriented." He left his home that night and went into a neighbor's home two doors down, where police took him into custody, police said.
Around 4:15 a.m., Oakland (California) Police said they responded to an Ettrick Street home regarding a break-in involving Martin, who is from Stockton.
Simultaneously, officers were alerted to a person experiencing a medical emergency and "was believed to be the same individual related to the break-in," police said.
Martin was found inside the home, police said, adding a brief struggle occurred when officers tried to detain him.
After being taken into custody, police said Martin became unresponsive and later died at a local hospital.
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The officers involved were placed on administrative leave per department policy, police said. Police said they have been in contact with Martin's family since Saturday.
Oakland Police's Homicide Unit is investigating the death, alongside multiple agencies.
Martin played six seasons with the Buccaneers, and his final year in the NFL with the Raiders. He was named to two Pro Bowl teams and an All-Pro honor. He rushed for 1,400 yards in both of his Pro Bowl seasons, doing so as a rookie in 2012 and again in 2015, NFL.com said. As a rookie, Martin set the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in one half of a game with four.
He held Buccaneers franchise records for the most rushing yards in a single game (251) and the most rushing yards per game (74.2).