In some sad news to come out in the middle of the afternoon on Sunday, it was reported that former Bucs running back Doug Martin passed away at the age of 36.

Shortly after the news broke, Martin’s family released a statement confirming the news, with a cause of death not currently known.

Doug Martin Will Be Remembered As One Of The Best Bucs RBs Of All-Time

Doug Martin’s name resurfaced earlier this year with the Bucs celebrating their 50th season. For what Martin did in Tampa Bay, it was no surprise he found himself ranked 44th of the top 50 Buccaneers of all-time.

Doug Martin exploded onto the scene as a rookie after the Bucs drafted him in the first round (31st overall) in 2012 out of Boise State. Marting wasted no time proving he belonged, with his first year in the league being one for the record books as he tallied 1,454 rushing yards with 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,926 total yards from scrimmage, and a Pro Bowl nod. For a fan base that had long craved a true feature back, “The Muscle Hamster” became an instant phenomenon, blending power, vision, and balance in a compact frame that made him both elusive and punishing.

Former Bucs RB Doug Martin – Photo by: USA Today

Martin’s early momentum would be derailed by injuries and inconsistency after hitting the ground running. From 2013 through 2014, he battled ankle and shoulder issues that limited his burst and production as he played in just 17 games across those two seasons. Many wondered if his rookie year had been a flash in the pan, but Martin would go on to silence that talk in 2015.

He stormed back with 1,402 rushing yards – the second-highest mark in the league – and earned first-team All-Pro honors. That season, he was once again the heartbeat of Tampa Bay’s offense operating under a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston. At his best, Martin was not just a good back; he was a tone-setter, capable of carrying an entire offense.

Martin was rewarded for his resurgence with a five-year, $35.75 million contract extension in March 2016, as general manager Jason Licht and the organization were confident that Martin would remain their offensive cornerstone. But just as quickly as he rose again, the decline unfortunately returned. By 2018, Tampa Bay released him, ending a six-year run filled with highs and lows.

Former Bucs RB Doug Martin – Photo by: USA Today

Doug Martin spent one final season with the Raiders, posting 723 rushing yards in 2018 before quietly stepping away from the league. In total, Martin finished his career with 5,356 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns – numbers that rank him fourth on the Bucs’ all-time rushing list. His place in Bucs history is secure, with his 2012 and 2015 seasons standing among the most electrifying by any Tampa Bay running back. When he was right, he was among the best in football, capable of taking over games and carrying hope for a franchise searching for stability.

His legacy will endure but also being a tragedy that is sadly familiar for the team. In recent years, former wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams also passed away at just 38 and 36 years old, respectively.