Doug

Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin has died aged 36 while in police custody in California.

The Oakland Police Department said the former American football star – who played for teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – died after being involved in an alleged home break-in and a struggle with officers on Saturday.

“While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued,” the department said, adding Martin became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

His family announced his passing and said his cause of death was “unconfirmed”.

“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,” his family told US media. The family asked for “privacy at this time”.

In a statement, Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin”.

“From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise,” the team added.

Born in Oakland, California, Martin was Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. During his first season, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and made 11 touchdowns.

Martin spent six of his seven NFL seasons playing for the Buccaneers, and was nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” because of his high strength despite being relatively short for a professional player at 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall.

But he struggled with injuries and was also suspended in 2016 for four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy, after testing positive for a banned substance. He apologised and went to a drug treatment facility.

Martin also played for the Oakland Raiders, which is now in Las Vegas, at the end of his career in 2018.

The in-custody death of former All-Pro running back Doug Martin during a reported home break-in early Saturday morning will be investigated by various agencies in compliance with state laws, the Oakland Police Department said.

Martin, 36, died in a hospital after he became unresponsive following his arrest by Oakland police officers responding to the reports of a break-in at a residence about two blocks from the Oakland zoo.

A statement released by the police department said the case will be investigated by the department’s homicide section and internal affairs bureau in addition to the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

“The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency. However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the release of information must be limited at this time,” the statement read. “Additional details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.”

State law requires law enforcement agencies to report any case in which a person dies in their custody to the Attorney General within 10 days.

The police department received nearly simultaneous reports of the break-in and a person “experiencing a medical emergency” at the same location, Oakland police told KTVU-TV.

“Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence,” the department said. “While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.”

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) carries the ball during a game against the Denver Broncos in Oakland on Dec. 24, 2018.

(John Hefti / Associated Press)

The last of Martin’s seven NFL seasons was with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. The 5-foot-9, 220-pound running back nicknamed the Muscle Hamster for his short, powerful build played six years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who acquired him in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Boise State.

Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012, the third-highest rushing total by a rookie in NFL history. He also rushed for more than 1,400 yards in 2015 when he was named an All-Pro, and the Buccaneers signed him to a five-year, $35.75 million contract extension.

However, he was suspended four games in December 2016 for violation of the NFL substance abuse policy. He entered a treatment facility after testing positive for Adderall and did not receive $15 million in guaranteed money.

Martin left a game in 2017 — his last season in Tampa Bay — because of a concussion sustained during the Buccaneers’ opening drive against the Atlanta Falcons. He returned, however, carrying the ball seven times before being replaced late in the first half. Martin sat out the next game and played sparingly the rest of the season.

Martin, who was born in Oakland and attended high school in Stockton, signed a one-year deal in 2018 with the Raiders and rushed for 723 yards before retiring because of injuries.

Martin’s family released a statement Sunday addressing his death.

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

The Buccaneers posted a tribute to Martin on social media: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-setting rookie season to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise.”