Escape artist, former All-Pro running back Doug Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 36. He spent six of his seven NFL seasons home in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Saturday morning, his family announced the tragic news. They joined the rest of the sporting world as they mourned the loss of a player who left an indelible mark on both the franchise and its fans.
Martin, nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster,” at 5-foot-9 was loved by fans for his violent running style. He quickly earned the adoration of fans for his unforgettable, sideline-to-sideline dance throughout his time in Tampa Bay.
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During the 1970s, he amassed a staggering 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns during his career. It was his ability to break tackles and grind out tough yards that gained him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
The Buccaneers honored Martin’s impact on the franchise, saying his work had created “a lasting impact on our franchise.” His performance on the field cemented his legacy, particularly highlighted by his remarkable rookie season in which he recorded the third-most yards from scrimmage in NFL history. Martin rushed for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns during his All-Pro year in 2015, alongside 33 receptions for 271 yards and another score.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Martin was honored as one of the top 50 players in Tampa Bay franchise history. He spent two more seasons in the league after earning that accolade. This helped cement his long-term place in the organization, with him going on to be a short career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Martin’s contributions went far beyond the box score. The pride he inspired in fans and his ability to bring people together made a lasting impact on the Buccaneers community. His commitment to the game and his tenacity on the field earned him a special place in the hearts of fans even during his time on the pitch.
“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” – Doug Martin’s family
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