Doug Martin, Former Buccaneers Star Running Back, Passes Away
The world of American football mourns the loss of Doug Martin, former star running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who passed away on Saturday morning, according to his family.
Martin, known by his nickname “Muscle Hamster”, was 36 years old.
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Doug Martin passed away on Saturday morning.
Family Statement
The Buccaneers, the team where Martin played for six of his seven seasons in the NFL, remembered him as a “fan favorite” who left “a lasting impact on our franchise.”With a height of 5 feet 9 inches, Martin stood out for his aggressive playing style, accumulating 5,356 yards and 30 touchdowns throughout his NFL career.
Selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by Tampa Bay, Martin had an immediate impact, rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, as well as catching 49 passes for 472 yards and another score in his rookie season, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. At the time, he was the third player with the most yards from scrimmage in his first year in NFL history.
His best season was in 2015, when he was named All-Pro, rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns, and adding 33 receptions for 271 yards and another score.
After playing two more seasons with Tampa Bay, Martin finished his career in 2018 with the Raiders.
Originally from California, Martin attended Boise State from 2007 to 2011, where he ranks among the top 10 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in school history. He was twice recognized as a member of the first team All-Conference.
