Former Buccaneers All-Pro and Boise State star Doug Martin has died at the age of 36. His family confirmed To Fox’s Greg Auman. Former first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2012 NFL Draft I played seven NFL The seasons before his career ended after a short stint with the Oakland Raiders.
Martin rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie in 2012 before playing in just 17 games over his next two years with the Buccaneers. Martin’s resurgence was notable in 2015 when he posted an All-Pro and Pro Bowl season in which he rushed for 1,402 yards.
That offseason, Tampa Bay signed Martin to a five-year, $35 million contract extension. Martin then struggled for the NFC South franchise, including a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy that caused him to miss several games at the end of the year.
The suspension came amid Martin being benched as the Buccaneers made a playoff push during the 2016 season. The Buccaneers released Martin after the 2017 season He later signed with the Raiders to backup Marshawn Lynch.
Known for his 5-foot-9, 225-pound bruising style, Martin starred at Boise State and earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster” during his time on the blue turf.
Before Heisman finalist Ashton Genty’s career, Martin was considered one of the best ball carriers in program history after ranking third all-time at the school with 43 rushing touchdowns and 48 total touchdowns, fifth with 3,431 yards and sixth with 617 rushing attempts.