Doug Martin’s agent is clarifying the details of the former NFL Pro Bowler’s death in a statement this week.
Brian Murphy, CEO of Athletes First (the agency that represented Martin), put out a statement on Monday clarifying the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death. In the statement, Murphy said that Martin had “battled mental health challenges” and said that Martin’s family wished to shed light on what had transpired before the ex-running back died.
“Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support,” the statement by Murphy read. “Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway.”
You can read the full statement from Murphy here.
A statement on the passing of Doug Martin, with his agent Brian Murphy of @AthletesFirst offering clarity and perspective: pic.twitter.com/pxULx4kAeZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2025
Martin’s family confirmed over the weekend that the seven-year NFL veteran had died at the age of 36. Reports then broke that Martin had died in police custody after being detained as a burglary suspect who had also suffered a medical emergency. A struggle between Martin and police had reportedly ensued before he was taken into custody, and Martin then was said to have suffered the medical emergency while in the back of a patrol car (read the full details here).
A former first-round draft pick, Martin played in the NFL from 2012-18 (including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the then-Oakland Raiders). Nicknamed “Muscle Hamster,” Martin was a two-time Pro Bowler as well as a 2015 All-Pro selection. He produced multiple seasons of 1,000 yards rushing and still holds several Buccaneers all-time rushing records.
