The former athlete was known for his explosive plays and powerful runs during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Former NFL running back Doug Martin died at the age of 36 on Saturday, October 18. His death marks a heartbreaking end to the life of a player once regarded among the league’s brightest talents.
Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes upfield during a rookie practice at the Buccaneers practice facility May 4, 2012 in Tampa, Florida | Source: Getty Images
class="wp-block-heading">A Family’s Grief
The former Pro Bowler’s demise was confirmed by his family in a statement, where they expressed their grief, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
While the family did not speak of the details surrounding his death, insiders later confirmed that Martin died in Oakland after suffering a medical emergency while in police custody.
Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes in the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 17, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
class="wp-block-heading">A Mysterious Scene
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday to a residence on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street following reports of a possible break-in.
Around the same time, dispatchers also received calls about a person experiencing a medical emergency at the same address. When officers arrived, they found Martin inside the home. Authorities said he briefly resisted as they attempted to detain him, but he was soon taken into custody.
Moments later, in the back of the police car, he became unresponsive. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have not clarified why Martin was being detained or what led to the medical emergency.
A Cloud of Questions Surrounds His Final Moments
The department stated that multiple agencies, including its Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, will review the circumstances surrounding his death.
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. An autopsy will also be conducted to determine Martin’s exact cause of death. This will include whether it was solely the result of a medical emergency or a combination of that condition and the brief struggle with police during his arrest.
From College Hero to NFL Legend
Martin’s passing has left former teammates, fans, and the wider football community in shock. He rose to prominence at Boise State, where he starred for four years before being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Over six seasons in Tampa Bay, he became a fan favorite, earning two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
Known for his speed and strength, Martin rushed for more than 5,300 yards and scored 30 touchdowns in his NFL career. He later concluded his professional run with the then–Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Over four weeks ago, the NFL community also lost another former star. His demise left teammates and admirers grieving while celebrating the lasting legacy he built in football and his community.
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson was confirmed dead at just 45 years old, his family revealed in a staggering and emotional announcement. According to the family source who spoke exclusively to TMZ Sports, Johnson died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
From Gridiron Glory to a Life of Quiet Service
Johnson’s football story began in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where he started playing at the age of six with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League. A graduate of Thomas Dale High School, he later starred at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University.
The deceased Ettrick Trojan alum’s meteoric rise began at the university, where his explosive performance earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, paving the way for a promising NFL career.
Drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, the former league star quickly transformed from an under-the-radar pick to a household name in Cincinnati.
After two slower seasons, Johnson erupted in his third year, rushing for 957 yards and nine touchdowns. He concluded his NFL journey with a final season at the Detroit Lions in 2008, leaving behind a career marked by memorable plays and unrelenting tenacity.
Rudi Johnson poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 1 | Source: Getty Images
‘A Dear Friend’ Gone Too Soon
The heartbreak didn’t stop at the field. On the day Johnson died, Bengals President Mike Brown paid a moving tribute to him, remembering not just the player he was, but the man behind the jersey.
Brown said, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
Rudi Johnson runs with the ball against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on October 21, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
A Life of Giving amid Hidden Pain
Though fans may remember his bulldozing runs and record-setting yardage, those closest to him say it was his devotion to helping others that truly defined his life.
Johnson launched a foundation aimed at supporting children and families, a mission he carried out quietly, even as he privately grappled with mental health challenges and the suspected effects of CTE, according to the family source.
At first, the cause of death was not confirmed. But in an update, police disclosed that the former football player died by suicide in Florida shortly after midnight the day he died.
Rudi Johnson walks off the field after the Bengals victory on October 15, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
His Last Public Words
Meanwhile, just four days before his death, the deceased football star appeared in a recorded video played at the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony, held on September 19, 2025. During the event, he was honored for his contributions to the game and his community.
In the recorded message, the ex-NFL star shared an emotional reflection on his journey in football. His message to the next generation read, “I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born.”
Rudi Johnson runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines on December 1, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
In the video, the ex-Cincinnati star also expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches who guided him. Despite the hidden battles, his heart remained with the community. He kept giving, kept trying, until the very end.
As the NFL community mourns his loss, Johnson’s story now stands as both a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and a testament to the power of resilience, generosity, and heart.
Rudi Johnson during a pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on September 2, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
His runs electrified stadiums, his foundation lifted families, and his presence left teammates with memories of loyalty and friendship. Though gone too soon, Johnson’s impact will live on — in records, in lives touched, and in the spirit of a player who gave everything he had, on and off the field.