Former NFL running back Doug Martin, best known for his Pro Bowl seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died at the age of 36.
A source with direct knowledge of his death confirmed Martin’s death to TMZ Sports, though details surrounding when and how he died have not yet been made public.
Martin rose to national prominence as a star at Boise State, where he played four seasons before being selected by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 472 receiving yards. His breakout season earned him a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors.
Nicknamed “Muscle Hamster” for his powerful running style despite his compact 5-foot-9 frame, Martin became one of the league’s top running backs early in his career. He earned a second Pro Bowl nod in 2015 after rushing for 1,402 yards.
Martin spent six seasons with Tampa Bay before finishing his NFL career with the then-Oakland Raiders during the 2018 season. Over seven seasons, he rushed for 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns and added 1,282 receiving yards and two receiving scores.
No official statement has yet been released by Martin’s family or former teams. Tributes from fans and former teammates are expected as news of his passing spreads across the sports world.
