Doug Martin, a former star running back for Boise State and Pro Bowler with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died this weekend at the age of 36.
Martin’s death was first reported by TMZ on Sunday. He last played in the NFL in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders, spending 1 season with the team after a successful 6-season run with the Buccaneers.
Martin starred at Boise State from 2007-11 before the Buccaneers made him a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Boise State football social media account confirmed thew news on Sunday:
Martin’s cause of death is unknown as of publication.
Martin rushed for 5,356 yards during his NFL career with 30 rushing touchdowns. He also was a weapon out of the backfield during his pro career, piling up over 1,200 yards receiving.
He made the Pro Bowl with the Buccaneers in his rookie season in 2012 and then again in 2015. Martin was also a first-team All-Pro selection in 2015.
The Oakland native first made his football name at Boise State, rushing for 3,431 yards with 43 touchdowns during his collegiate career. Martin started 25 of the 51 games he played in at Boise State. He was a first-team All-Moutain West Conference selection during his final season in 2011.
The 5-foot-9, 223-pound Martin had the nickname “Muscle Hamster” from his Boise State teammates because of his strength and small stature.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
