Doug Martin had been dealing with “mental health challenges” prior to his untimely death over the weekend, his family revealed on Monday night.
In a newly released statement, the former Buccaneers running back’s family clarified the events leading up to his death on Saturday while in Oakland Police custody. They also shed light on the mental health issues Martin had been privately battling.
“Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run,” the statement read. It was released through Martin’s agent, Brian Murphy of Athletes First.
The statement comes following news that Martin was in police custody at the time of his death after being caught and arrested for breaking into a home in Oakland, California. Monday night’s update sought to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
“Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support,” the statement said. “Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.”
According to authorities, officers attempted to detain Martin, which led to a “brief struggle.”
“After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive,” the Oakland Police Department said in a statement. “Paramedics responded to the scene, provided medical aid, and transported Martin to a local hospital, where he later died.”
Multiple agencies are investigating the in-custody death, including the OPD Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, as part of department policy.
Martin was 36 years old at the time of his death.
He had made a name for himself in college at Boise State, where he rushed for more than 3,400 yards and scored 43 touchdowns during his career. Martin was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He spent six seasons with Tampa Bay and one season with the Raiders, accumulating 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns over his NFL career.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/sports/doug-martins-family-seeking-medical-assistance-for-him-before-death/
