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Report: Doug Martin, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB, dead at 36

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones13 hours agobrianjones_93
Doug Martin
Nov 12, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) carries the ball against the New York Jets in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Doug Martin, a former running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died. He was 36 years old. TMZ Sports first reported Martin’s death, and his family informed the Tampa Bay Times that he died on Saturday morning. Additional details about Martin’s death have not been revealed.

The Buccaneers selected Doug Martin in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns on 319 carries. Martin also caught 49 passes for 472 yards and one TD, and his production in 2012 led to him being selected to the Pro Bowl.

Martin returned to the Pro Bowl in 2015, as he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns on 288 caries. He was also selected to the All-Pro First Team and finished fourth in Comeback Player of the Year voting.

In March 2016, Martin signed a five-year contract extension with the Buccaneers, but the team cut him nearly two years later. During the 2018 offseason, Martin signed a one-year contract with the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders and finished the year with 723 yards and four TDs on 172 carries. The Raiders released Martin before the start of the 2019 season, and he did not return to the NFL.

More on Doug Martin’s NFL career

Martin’s final two seasons in Tampa were challenging. Towards the end of the 2016 season, Martin was suspended for four games for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The suspension carried over into the 2017 season, and Martin entered a treatment facility after testing positive for Adderall.

“I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy,” Martin said in the statement at the time. “My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous discussions with people close to me — including Coach (Dirk) Koetter — I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need.”

Martin played college football at Boise State and rushed for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2011 season. He grew up in Stockton, California, and played high school football at St. Mary’s High School. .