The family of former NFL star Doug Martin is seeking answers about his mental health after his death in police custody. They sent his brain to the Boston University CTE Center. Experts there will check for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This disease often affects football players who suffer repeated head hits.
Martin died at 36 years old following a confrontation with the Oakland Police Department on October 18, 2025. Officers responded to a report of a home break-in. They found Martin acting erratically. Police stated he appeared to be having a medical crisis. He became unresponsive after a brief struggle with 4 officers.
Doug Martin
Doug Martin talks to participants before a drill at the Legacy football Camp held at Delta College’s DiRicco field in Stockton on Ju. 28, 2014.
The family believes his behavior was not normal. They say he was paranoid and confused that night. His attorney John Burris is leading the legal effort. Burris recently spoke about the need for a full investigation into the police tactics used during the arrest.
“I’m not presuming in this case that legal action needs to be taken until we’ve reviewed all the reports,” the attorney said. “Was it a medical condition? CTE? The police? While we wait for the investigation to be completed, the cause of death is still unclear.”
On March 13, 2026, the Oakland Police Department released body camera footage of the incident. The video shows the moments leading up to Martin losing consciousness. The family is now reviewing these clips with their legal team. They want to know if the police’s use of force caused his death.
The official cause of death is still unknown. Toxicology reports and the county autopsy are not finished yet. The family also hired a private doctor for a second autopsy. They hope the CTE test results will explain why Martin was struggling with his mental health before he died.
CTE can only be found after a person dies. If the lab finds the disease, it could show that brain damage from football played a role in his actions. This situation has started new conversations about how to keep athletes safe and how police deal with situations involving mental health.
New evidence released in Doug Martin’s death
The footage shows the 10-minute encounter at the apartment complex. One witness called emergency services after Martin banged on the doors.
It also shows officers trying to restrain him on the ground. Martin appears to stop breathing shortly after being handcuffed. Paramedics arrived at the scene but could not save him.
The city is also conducting an internal review of the incident. John Burris stated, “The family is devastated by the loss of Doug and the manner in which he died.” They are waiting for the final 180-day report from the medical examiner. This report will combine the brain tests and the police evidence to give a final answer.