Doug Martin dies at 36: NFL world mourns former Buccaneers RB known as 'Muscle Hamster'

Dan Treacy

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Doug Martin dies at 36: NFL world mourns former Buccaneers RB known as 'Muscle Hamster' image

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has died, according to TMZ. He was 36.

The news was confirmed by Martin's family, which announced the former NFL standout died Saturday morning and said the cause of death is "unconfirmed."

Martin was the No. 31 overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft to the Buccaneers and spent six seasons in Tampa Bay. A two-time Pro-Bowler, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards in a stellar rookie season and enjoyed a career resurgence with 1,673 scrimmage yards and an All-Pro selection in 2015.

Martin last played in the NFL with the Raiders in 2018.

Here's what we know about Martin's death, his NFL career and how the league is paying tribute. 

Doug Martin dies at 36

Martin "passed away recently," according to TMZ, offering no other details. He was 36 years old. It was confirmed Monday that Martin died in police custody after being detained following a suspected break-in on Saturday morning.

Martin's agent, Brian Murphy, released a statement Monday evening revealing his client "battled mental health challenges" and citing those troubles as the reason for his arrest shortly before his death.

"Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and he contacted local authorities for support. 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," Murphy said in a statement.

The former Boise State running back spent seven seasons in the NFL after being drafted No. 31 overall in 2012, sticking with the Buccaneers for six years before a season in Oakland.

Here's more to know about his NFL career.

Doug Martin NFL career

Martin shined at Boise State in an offense headed by Kellen Moore, who is now the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. While Moore struggled to draw heavy interest before the 2012 NFL Draft, Martin found his way into the first round as the No. 31 overall pick.

Martin's NFL career started with a bang, as he amassed 1,454 rushing yards and 1,926 total yards in his rookie season, quickly picking up a Pro Bowl appearance. His 251-yard rushing performance against the Raiders on Nov. 4, 2012 stands as the 12th-highest single-game rushing total in NFL history.

The following two seasons would be mired by injuries and inefficiency, but Martin surged again in 2015 with 1,402 yards on the ground and a First-Team All-Pro selection. 

2016 and 2017 played out much like 2013 and 2014 for Martin, as he averaged just 2.9 yards per carry between the two seasons. Martin also faced a four-game suspension at the end of the 2016 season and opted to enter rehab to deal with substance abuse issues.

"On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life," Martin said in a statement announcing his decision to enter rehab. "My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help."

Martin was able to return to the field in 2017 but was released following the season. He finished his career with the Raiders in 2018, appearing in all 16 games and averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

Doug Martin college stats

SeasonSchoolGamesRush att.Rush yardsYPCRec. yardsTotal TD
2007Boise State100000
2008Boise State11241074.5540
2009Boise State141297655.96815
2010Boise State132011,2606.333814
2011Boise State132631,2994.925518
Career 526173,4315.671547

Doug Martin NFL stats

SeasonTeamGamesRush att.Rush yardsYPCRec. yardsTotal TD
2012Buccaneers163191,4544.647212
2013Buccaneers61274563.6661
2014Buccaneers111344943.7642
2015Buccaneers162881,4024.92717
2016Buccaneers81444212.91343
2017Buccaneers111384062.9843
2018Raiders161727234.21164
Career 841,3225,3564.11,20732

Doug Martin 'Muscle Hamster' nickname

Martin became known as "Muscle Hamster" during his time at Boise State due to his short stature at just 5-9 but remarkable strength.

Martin's Boise State teammate Jarrell Root claims credit for the nickname, but Martin initially wasn't a fan. "He hated it," Root told ESPN in 2015, explaining that Martin frequently complained about being compared to a hamster.

"You don't choose a nickname," Root said. "If your buddies give you a nickname and it sucks and you don't like it, it just sticks with you."

While Martin may have never fully come around on the nickname, "Muscle Hamster" became synonymous with him at the NFL level, and he lived up to the moniker from day one with the way he muscled his way to nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards as a rookie.

Doug Martin tributes

Boise State called Martin a "Bronco legend" in a social media post Sunday.

The Buccaneers called Martin a "fan favorite" in a statement after his death.

Former Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell, who entered the NFL a year after Martin, paid tribute.

Robert Griffin III paid tribute to his fellow 2012 rookie.

Former Boise State assistant and current Nevada head coach Jeff Choate remembered Martin's smile from their time together.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.