OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Former Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin was struggling with mental health leading up to his sudden death last weekend, Martin’s family said.
Martin, 36, died while he was in Oakland Police Department custody shortly after he was arrested inside a neighbor’s house Saturday.
OPD said, “Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence. Officers were attempting to detain him (and) a brief struggle occurred. After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive.”
In a statement released on behalf of Martin’s family, Brian Murphy, the football player’s former NFL agent wrote, “Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run.”
On the night he died, Martin fled from his Oakland hills home because he was feeling disoriented and overwhelmed, according to his family. He entered a neighbor’s house just two doors down. “Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support,” the family’s statement writes.
According to OPD, 911 calls were simultaneously made for a medical emergency and a burglary. Officers arrived and found Martin inside the neighbor’s house on Ettrick Street at 4:15 a.m., police said. Officers were notified that the person experiencing the medical emergency was likely the same person who broke into the house.
The police department said Martin became “unresponsive” while in OPD custody. After paramedics transported him to a hospital, Martin was declared deceased, police said.
Martin was born in Oakland and grew up in Stockton.
Nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” for his size and powerful running style, Martin had a stellar college career at Boise State University. After Martin was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, he made two Pro Bowl appearances and played for the Oakland Raiders.
“He just had this dynamic smile,” former Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter said. “The guy was always smiling. He was a great teammate, always upbeat in the building. Everyone enjoyed being around him.”
“His ability to make yards after contact was something,” Koetter said, noting that Martin “was built low to the ground.”
Kar Raphino, Martin’s longtime friend from Boise State University, said the football player was beloved and she was shocked by the tragedy. “Doug loved everyone. He was a role model for a lot of folks around him,” Raphino told KRON4.
Raphino said Martin told her about a shoulder injury he was struggling with a couple of years ago, but didn’t reveal his mental health battles. “He was a real, genuine-hearted people person. He wasn’t given a chance. It’s not right, it’s not right,” Raphino said.
Officials have so far not released Martin’s cause of death.
OPD did not say how many officers were involved with the football player’s arrest, how long they struggled with Martin, and how they restrained him. The officers who detained him have been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues, a standard police practice.
Murphy said representing Martin as his NFL agent was a privilege. “Off the field, Doug was deeply committed to serving the communities of Boise, Idaho, Stockton, and Oakland … where his generosity and spirit were well known,” Murphy wrote.
Mayor Barbara Lee said, “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
