Celebrity
Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Dies Suddenly At 36
When the former athlete played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was renowned for his strong runs and explosive performances.
On Saturday, October 18, Doug Martin, a former NFL running back, passed away at the age of 36. His passing signifies the tragic conclusion of a player’s life who was once thought to be one of the league’s best players.
A Family’s Grief
The former Pro Bowler’s demise was confirmed by his family in a statement, where they expressed their grief, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Although the family remained silent about the circumstances of his passing, insiders subsequently verified that Martin passed away in Oakland following a medical crisis while being held by the police.
A Mysterious Scene
The Oakland Police Department reported that after receiving reports of a potential break-in, police arrived at a residence on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday.
Dispatchers also got calls at roughly the same time regarding a medical emergency at the same house. Martin was inside the house when the police came. He reportedly struggled briefly as they tried to arrest him, but they were able to apprehend him quickly.
Shortly after, he lost consciousness in the rear of the police vehicle. He was taken by paramedics to a neighboring hospital, where they declared him dead. Martin’s detention and the cause of the medical emergency have not been explained by the police.
A Cloud of Questions Surrounds His Final Moments
According to the police, a number of organizations will investigate the circumstances surrounding his murder, including the Oakland Police Commission, the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Homicide Section, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
In anticipation of the investigation’s conclusion, the concerned officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. To ascertain Martin’s precise cause of death, an autopsy will also be performed. This will include whether his brief altercation with the police after his detention was caused by his medical issue alone or by a combination of both.
From College Hero to NFL Legend
Former teammates, supporters, and the larger football community are in shock over Martin’s death. He became well-known while attending Boise State, where he excelled for four years before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He became a fan favorite during his six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he was selected to two Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro.
Throughout his NFL career, Martin, who is known for his strength and speed, ran for over 5,300 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. Later, in 2018, he ended his playing career with the Oakland Raiders.
Another former NFL star passed away more than four weeks ago. Colleagues and fans mourned his passing while honoring the enduring contributions he made to football and his community.
Rudi Johnson, a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, was confirmed dead at the age of 45, according to a heartbreaking and heartfelt declaration from his family. The family source told TMZ Sports exclusively that Johnson passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
From Gridiron Glory to a Life of Quiet Service
Johnson’s football career started in Chesterfield County, Virginia, when he joined the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League at the age of six. He attended Butler Community College as a standout before moving to Auburn University after graduating from Thomas Dale High School.
The late Ettrick Trojan’s ascent started at the school, when he won SEC Player of the Year for his spectacular play, setting the stage for a bright NFL future.
The former league star, who was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, went from being a little-known to a household name in Cincinnati very fast.
Johnson had a breakout season in his third year, running for 957 yards and nine touchdowns after two weaker seasons. In 2008, he played his final season in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, capping a career filled with standout performances and unwavering perseverance.
‘A Dear Friend’ Gone Too Soon
At the field, the heartache continued. Bengals President Mike Brown gave a heartfelt homage to Johnson on the day of his passing, honoring both the player and the man who wore the shirt.
Brown said, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
A Life of Giving amid Hidden Pain
Those closest to him say that his life was genuinely defined by his dedication to helping others, even though fans may recall his record-breaking yards and bulldozing runs.
According to the family source, Johnson established a charity to help children and families, a purpose he quietly pursued while he struggled in secret with mental health issues and the possible impacts of CTE.
The reason of death was first unknown. However, authorities revealed in an update that the former football player committed suicide in Florida just after midnight on the day of his death.
His Last Public Words
The deceased football player, meantime, was featured in a videotape that was shown at the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 event on September 19, 2025, just four days before to his passing. He received recognition for his efforts to the game and his community during the occasion.
In the recorded message, the ex-NFL star shared an emotional reflection on his journey in football. His message to the next generation read, “I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born.”
The former Cincinnati star also thanked his coaches and teammates for helping him along the way in the video. His heart stayed with the community in spite of the unseen struggles. Until the very end, he continued to give and try.
Johnson’s narrative now serves as a reminder of life’s transient nature as well as a tribute to the strength of fortitude, kindness, and compassion as the NFL community grieves his passing.
His foundation uplifted families, his runs electrified stadiums, and his presence left teammates with recollections of camaraderie and loyalty. Despite his untimely death, Johnson’s influence will endure in records, the lives he touched, and the memory of a player who gave his all both on and off the field.
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