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Former NFL running back Doug Martin, who played seven years in the league, died at the age of 36 over the weekend.
Martin, who last played in the NFL in 2018, passed away on Saturday morning. His cause of death is currently unconfirmed.
His family confirmed his death in a statement, via Fox Sports' Greg Auman, as they requested privacy at this time.
Martin, nicknamed the 'Muscle Hamster' for his bruising playing style at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds, had been a standout at Boise State for four years of college football.
He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, spending six seasons with the franchise.
He was twice named to the Pro Bowl and once received an All-Pro nod during his time in Tampa Bay before finishing his career with the then Oakland Raiders in the 2018-2019 season.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has died at the age of 36
Martin established himself as one of the best running backs in the league during his time on the field.
He totaled 5,356 yards and ran in 30 touchdowns, while adding more than 1,200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Tributes from around the NFL world poured in shortly after the reports of Martin's passing broke with his former school, Boise State, leading the way.
The Broncos' football team honored the legend in a statement acknowledging Martin's achievements.
'Rest in peace to a Bronco legend. You will be missed,' the team's X account wrote.
During his time at Boise State, Martin was a first-team All-Mountain West honoree as a senior in 2011 and still ranks in Boise State's top-10 for career rushing yards (eighth, 3,431 yards), rushing touchdowns (sixth, 43), rush attempts (ninth, 617), yards per carry (eighth, 5.56) and rushing yards per game (ninth, 66.0).
He is also tied for fourth in school history with 17 100-yard games in a career.
Martin helped the Broncos finish in the top-10 of the BCS rankings in four straight seasons (2008-11). Boise State also won three conference titles over the same stretch and posted a 50-3 overall record.
Martin played seven seasons in the league, last suiting up for the Raiders in 2018
Trai Essex, a former NFL offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, also offered his prayers to Martin's family.
'RIP Doug Martin. 36 years young. It seems like so many young recently retired ball players are passing away lately,' Essex wrote on social media. 'Brothas, take care of yourself and make sure you check in with your brothas. That's goes for everyone, not just athletes. Praying deeply for the Martin family.'
Former running back Le'Veon Bell also remembered Martin as he posted: 'man wtf, RIP Doug Martin .. life is such a fragile thing, tell your loved ones you love them ..'
Many fans also honored the late football star, mourning the loss at such a young age.
'Tragic news about former Bucs running back Doug Martin, just 36 years old,' one wrote.
Another added: 'Terrible to think the Bucs lost Vincent Jackson at 38 and now Doug Martin at 36. Two absolute stars a decade ago, gone too soon.'
Martin's death comes just over two years after another Buccaneers star, Mike Williams, also suddenly lost his life.
Williams, whose time in Tampa Bay overlapped with Martin, died in September 2023 at the age of 36 from injuries he suffered in a tragic accident on a construction site
Meanwhile, Vincent Jackson, another former Buccaneers teammate of Martin, died in 2021. He was found deceased in a Florida hotel room.
More to follow.
