The sports community is in mourning following the death of Doug Martin, a former running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Martin, who was 36, passed away on Saturday, with his family confirming the news. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the family has asked for privacy during this challenging time.
Born in Stockton, California, Martin was a standout player at Boise State, where he earned the moniker “Muscle Hamster” due to his robust yet compact physique. During his four-year college career, he rushed for over 3,400 yards and scored 43 touchdowns, establishing himself as a star of the program.
Martin’s stellar performance at Boise State led to his selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. He made a significant impact in his rookie season, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. This performance laid the groundwork for a successful six-season tenure 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 memorable performances was during his rookie season when he ran for 251 yards and four touchdowns in a game against the Raiders.
Martin concluded his NFL career with the Raiders in 2018. Throughout 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 grief 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, referring to him as a “Bronco legend” and expressing their condolences.