Former Bucs All-Pro RB Martin Dies at Age 36
Doug Martin, the former All-Pro running back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36. The news was confirmed by his family on October 19, 2025, revealing that he died on Saturday morning.
Doug Martin’s NFL Career Highlights
Martin, affectionately known as the “Muscle Hamster,” was celebrated for his powerful playing style. He stands at 5-foot-9 but made a significant impact on the field during his seven-season NFL career, mostly with the Buccaneers.
- Drafted: Martin was selected as the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.
- Rookie Season: In his debut season, he rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, leading to a Pro Bowl selection.
- Record Achievement: Martin had the third-most yards from scrimmage for a rookie in NFL history, recording 2,062 total yards, just behind Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James.
- All-Pro Year: His standout season came in 2015 when he rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns while also making 33 receptions for 271 yards.
- Career Totals: Over his career, Martin accumulated 5,356 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns.
Final Seasons and Retirement
After establishing himself as a reliable playmaker, Martin continued to play for the Buccaneers for two additional seasons following his All-Pro recognition in 2015. He concluded his NFL journey with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Doug Martin’s legacy as a dynamic running back and his contributions to the sport remain memorable. His unexpected passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and former teammates alike.
