Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died in police custody, the Oakland, California, Police Department confirmed. He was 36.
Police announced Saturday in a news release on Facebook that an in-custody death occurred just after 4:15 a.m.
Police confirmed to NBC News on Monday that the person who died in custody was Doug Martin.
"Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland," the police department said. "While responding officers were attempting to detain him, a brief struggle occurred. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive."
Paramedics arrived and took Martin to a hospital, where he later died, police said.
The police department said the investigation continues.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin," the Buccaneers said on social media Sunday evening.
"From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise," the team said.
Athletes First, the firm that represented Martin when he was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2012, issued a statement on behalf of the player's family Monday evening.
"Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life," CEO Brian Murphy said. "Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run."
Martin's parents were seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support, Murphy 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," he said.
Murphy said that an investigation is underway, and that his family has requested privacy "as they navigate this heartbreaking loss."
In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, Martin’s family said, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning.”
“Cause of death is currently unconfirmed,” the statement said. “Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Martin, a first-round pick at No. 31 out of Boise State, had a standout NFL rookie season, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns and catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score in his first season, earning him a Pro Bowl nod. His rookie season total of 1,926 yards from scrimmage was the third highest in NFL history at the time.
In 2015, Martin had his best season, finishing second in rushing in the NFL with 1,402 yards and six touchdowns. He had 33 catches for 271 yards and another score that season, earning him an All-Pro nod and securing his second Pro Bowl.
Martin played for the Buccaneers for two more seasons and then finished his career in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders before the team moved to Las Vegas.
"The Raiders Family was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Doug Martin," the team said Sunday on social media.
Martin was "deeply committed to serving the communities of Boise, Idaho; Stockton, and Oakland California, where his generosity and spirit were well-known," Murphy said.
"A native of Stockton, Calif., Martin joined the Silver and Black in 2018 after six seasons in Tampa Bay, and he led the Raiders with 723 rushing yards that season," the statement said. "A two-time Pro Bowl selection out of Boise State, Martin rushed for over 5,000 yards with 30 touchdowns in his pro career. The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug’s family at this time."
