Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has died at 36, according to TMZ.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time,” Martin’s family said in a statement shared Sunday on X by longtime Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman.
The Buccaneers released a statement Sunday night, saying they were “deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin.”
“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. “He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”
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The two-time Pro Bowler and 2015 All-Pro selection was known for his power and drive on the field but his most enduring impact came from his steady work in the Tampa Bay community.
From visiting hospitals to creating programs for underprivileged youth, Martin embodied the humility and service that define Tampa Bay’s culture.
In 2013, while attending the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii, he joined several other players in visiting Purple Heart recipients and wounded soldiers at Schofield Barracks, according to a U.S. Army Public Affairs report.
In Tampa Bay, Martin helped lead a 2015 holiday program at Buccaneers headquarters. He and fellow running backs provided gifts and Target cards for families, according to the team’s website.
“It’s just good to give back and to see the smiles on people’s faces,” Martin said at the time. “Some of them aren’t really fortunate enough to get gifts during the holidays, so to see their heroes give them gifts was very warming.”
In 2020, the Idaho Statesman reported that Martin joined Boise Radical Mutual Aid to help feed the homeless during the coronavirus pandemic, delivering food and supplies alongside community volunteers.
A standout at Boise State University before his NFL career, Martin helped the Broncos win three conference titles and achieve four straight top-10 finishes in the BCS rankings. The university described him as one of the best running backs in school history, noting his 43 rushing touchdowns, two 1,000-yard seasons, and status as the first Boise State running back ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
A career that defined an era
A first-round pick in 2012, Martin played six seasons with the Buccaneers, rushing for more than 4,600 yards and scoring 26 touchdowns. His 251-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Raiders in 2012 remains one of the most dominant games in franchise history.
Beyond football, Martin earned respect for his commitment to the community. According to archived Buccaneers information, he sponsored “Martin’s VIPs,” which gave local charities front-row access to Buccaneers games, and volunteered regularly across the region. He visited patients at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, joined fitness events at Graham Elementary and worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.
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He also supported the Special Olympics, met with veterans at Bay Pines VA Hospital and joined events for breast cancer awareness. Those who knew him say his presence was felt more in the lives he touched than in any record he set.
A legacy that lasts
Tributes from fans, former teammates and community partners continued to appear across social media, many describing Martin as a player whose actions spoke louder than words.
Tributes from fans, former teammates and community partners continued to appear across social media, many describing Martin as a player whose actions spoke louder than words.
His death also recalls another former Buccaneer, Vincent Jackson, who died in 2021 at age 38. A former Tampa Bay Business & Wealth cover star, Jackson was known for his business ventures, philanthropy and his Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, which supported military families across Tampa Bay. Like Martin, he used his platform to serve others and left a legacy that reached far beyond football.
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Martin’s life represents leadership that resonates beyond sports. His example shows that influence comes not only from success but from generosity and consistency.
In a region where business, philanthropy and civic pride intersect, Martin’s approach to giving back — steady, unpublicized and heartfelt — mirrors the kind of leadership that defines many of Tampa Bay’s most respected leaders. His story illustrates how quiet acts of service can inspire others to lead with purpose.
The measure of a life
Doug Martin’s legacy in Tampa Bay will not be defined by his statistics but by his spirit. His ability to balance success with service offers a lasting example for anyone striving to lead with purpose. His record-breaking runs drew headlines but his generosity earned something greater: the respect and gratitude of a community that will never forget him.
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