Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) reacts as he runs the ball in for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Murphy, who represented Doug Martin, shared more heartbreaking details about the former NFL star running back’s stunning passing.
On Sunday, news emerged that Doug Martin passed away at the age of 36 on Saturday. It was reported soon after that the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout died after police responded to a report of a home invasion in Oakland, California.
After officers arrived to take Martin into custody, he reportedly became unresponsive and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Brian Murphy posted a statement and provided more details on Martin’s shocking death. Though full details of the circumstances weren’t shared, Murphy noted that Martin dealt with mental health struggles and that “mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run.”
Murphy also said that on Saturday night, Doug Martin’s parents sought “medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support.” The statement adds that an “overwhelmed and disoriented” Martin went to a neighbor’s resident and was taken into custody by officials.
Additionally, Murphy wrote, “An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.” You can read the full statement below, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
Doug Martin Is Fourth All-Time In Rushing Among Tampa Bay Buccaneers Players
Doug Martin (Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
Doug Martin spent his first six NFL seasons with the Buccaneers (2012 to 2017) and a year with the Oakland Raiders (2018). Despite being limited to 68 games over his tenure as a Buc, Martin sits fourth on the franchise rushing leaderboard with 4,633 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Martin’s 26 rushing touchdowns are also third-most in franchise history, behind only Mike Alstott (58) and James Wilder (37).
He had his best season as a rookie in 2012, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. The two-time Pro Bowler was limited to 17 games over the next two years, but turned in another excellent year in 2015 with 1,402 yards and six touchdowns.
