Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Dies in Oakland Police Custody Following Medical Emergency During Arrest

Former NFL Running Back Doug Martin Dies in Oakland Police Custody Following Medical Emergency During Arrest

October 20, 2025 | Oakland, CA — Former NFL running back Doug Martin has been identified as the suspect who died in Oakland Police Department custody early Saturday morning following a reported break-in and subsequent medical emergency.

The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. on October 19, when Oakland police were dispatched to a residence in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street in response to a burglary in progress. At the same time, the department also received a separate report of a person experiencing a medical emergency at the same address.

Upon arrival, officers located a man inside the home, later identified as Doug Martin, 36, a former Pro Bowl running back best known for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to the police department, Martin reportedly resisted officers’ attempts to detain him. The resistance was described as brief, and officers were ultimately able to place him into custody.

Shortly after being restrained, Martin became unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, and Martin was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The exact cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of an autopsy by the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.

The Oakland Police Department has placed the officers involved in the arrest on paid administrative leave as part of standard procedure during an in-custody death investigation. The department’s Internal Affairs Division and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office are conducting separate investigations into the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability,” the department said in a statement released Sunday. “As with any in-custody death, a thorough and impartial investigation is underway to determine the facts of what occurred.”

Doug Martin, a native of Stockton, California, played six seasons in the National Football League after being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He quickly made a name for himself during his rookie season with the Buccaneers, rushing for over 1,400 yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” by fans for his compact frame and explosive power, Martin was a standout at Boise State before turning professional.

Martin last played in the NFL in 2018 with the then-Oakland Raiders. Since retiring from football, he has kept a low public profile. His unexpected death has left fans, former teammates, and the sports community in shock.

Former teammate and friend Lavonte David reacted to the news on social media: “Doug was more than just a teammate — he was a brother. This is heartbreaking. Praying for his family and everyone who loved him.”

While the details of the break-in call and the nature of the medical emergency remain unclear, the department has said body-worn camera footage from the responding officers will be reviewed as part of the investigation. It is not yet known whether Martin was under the influence of any substances or experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

Civil rights organizations and police accountability advocates have already begun calling for a transparent release of the footage and all relevant information.

“Given Mr. Martin’s status as a public figure and the sensitive nature of in-custody deaths, it is critical that this investigation is handled with the utmost care and openness,” said Carla Jameson, director of the Oakland Justice Collective. “The public deserves answers, and Mr. Martin’s family deserves justice and clarity.”

Family members of Doug Martin have not yet released a public statement.

This case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny surrounding law enforcement conduct, especially in instances involving unarmed individuals and those experiencing medical or psychological distress.

As the investigation unfolds, tributes continue to pour in for Martin, whose powerful running style and humble personality made him a fan favorite throughout his NFL career.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section or the Independent Police Auditor.