Former NFL player Doug Martin died after struggling with officers while being detained, police say

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin died after a struggle with police officers who were taking him into custody while they were investigating a break-in at a home in Oakland, police said Monday.

Martin, best known for his stellar career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, became unresponsive after being arrested early Saturday, according to a statement released by the Oakland Police Department.

He was transported by paramedics to a hospital where he died, police said. He was 36. A cause of death has not been released. An autopsy will be conducted, the Alameda County Coroner’s Office said.

Police said in a statement that Martin was involved in a break-in and that a “brief struggle” happened as police were attempting to detain him. The department did not release any other details.

Martin, originally from Oakland, lived in Stockton, where he played high school football. His family issued a statement over the weekend asking for privacy as they grieve.

Police and Oakland’s mayor said they had reached out to the family.

“We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones,” Mayor Barbara Lee said Monday in a statement.