Doug Martin, Ex-NFL STAR, Dies at the Age of 36 While in Police Custody, Cause of Death Still Unknown

More information submerged is now getting out on how Doug Martin passed away Saturday night, at the age of 36.

According to NBC Sports, it’s reported that Martin died while in the custody of police in Oakland, California. Although Martin’s cause of death has not been determined, the police officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Various news sites, such as The Guardian and East Bay Times, report from different sources close to the investigation that the police were responding to a reported home break-in, in East Oakland when a “brief struggle” occurred before Martin became unresponsive.

According to KTVU, sources confirmed that Martin died in the hospital after became unresponsive following his arrest. They also confirmed that he had been identified as the suspect in the police report. What has not been confirmed is the reason Martin was taken into custody.

New York times reported that before Martin became unresponsive in the custody of police, he was already having a medical emergency, but in the police report it states that the suspect resisted arrest which causes the brief struggle.

Doug Martin was drafted into the NFL team, Buccaneers in 2012, then later moved to the Raiders in 2018-2019. According to KTVU, his family released a statement saying that his death is still unconfirmed and wishes to have privacy to mourn.

According to the press release Oakland Police put on Facebook, they said, “The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating an In Custody Death. The incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m. on October 18, 2025, in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. Officers responded to the area for an individual who had broken into a nearby residence.

Simultaneously, officers were notified of an individual who was experiencing a medical emergency and was believed to be the same individual related to the break-in.

Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence. While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.

Paramedic personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the individual to an area hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, the individual later died at the hospital.

In accordance with OPD policy, the officer(s) involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Consistent with OPD policy, the In Custody Death is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA), and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency. However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the release of information must be limited at this time. Additional details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.”

The story, addresses, and timeline all tie to Martin being the suspect that died in police custody but they the police never says Martin’s name.