The sports world is mourning the loss of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 36. The news was confirmed by his family, although the cause of death remains unconfirmed at this time. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period.
Martin, a native of Stockton, California, was a standout player at Boise State, where he earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” due to his powerful yet compact build. Over his four-year college career, he rushed for over 3,400 yards and scored 43 touchdowns, making him a star of the program.
His impressive performance at Boise State led to his selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. Martin made an immediate impact in his rookie season, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. This performance set the stage for a successful six-season stint with the Buccaneers.
During his time with the Buccaneers, Martin was a two-time Pro Bowler and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2015. One of his most notable performances came during his rookie season when he ran for 251 yards and four touchdowns in a game against the Raiders.
Martin ended his NFL career with the Raiders in 2018. Over the course of his career, he recorded 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns. His 4,633 yards with the Buccaneers ranks as the fourth most by a Tampa Bay running back in the franchise’s history. His 26 touchdowns are the third most in franchise history.
The Buccaneers released a statement expressing their sorrow over Martin’s passing. They highlighted his record-setting rookie season and multiple Pro Bowl selections, stating that Martin had made a lasting impact on the franchise. They also noted that he was a fan favorite and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements.
Boise State also paid tribute to Martin, calling him a “Bronco legend” and expressing their condolences.