Doug Martin Dies at 36, Former NFL RB Made 2 Pro Bowls with Buccaneers

Former NFL running back Doug Martin died on Saturday, his family announced on Sunday. He was 36.

"It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning," his family said in a statement. "Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time."

The Buccaneers and Boise State also released statements upon hearing the news:

A number of former NFL players reacted to the news:

The man nicknamed "Muscle Hamster" spent his first six NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-17) after being drafted out of Boise State. He was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season after rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns while catching 49 passes for 472 yards and a score.

He was a Pro Bowler yet again in 2015, rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns with 33 catches for 271 yards and a score.

Injuries and a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs defined the remainder of his time with the Bucs, however, as he failed to exceed 1,000 rushing yards outside of 2012 and 2015.

The Buccaneers released him after the 2017 season and he spent one year with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018, rushing for 723 yards and four scores. He was re-signed ahead of the 2019 season but cut in late August, with the team turning the backfield over to then-rookie Josh Jacobs.