m you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. The cause of death is currently unconfirmed. We ask that you please respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
While the family chose not to share specific details surrounding his death, sources later confirmed that Martin died in Oakland following a medical emergency while in police custody. The Final Hours: Unanswered Questions. According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday to reports of a possible break-in at a residence on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. At the same time, emergency dispatchers received calls about a medical emergency at that same location.
When police arrived, they found Martin inside the residence. Authorities stated that he briefly resisted as officers attempted to detain him but was ultimately taken into custody without major incident. Shortly after being placed in the back of a police car, Martin became unresponsive. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The reason for his detainment, as well as the nature of the medical emergency, remain unclear. The police have not released further details about what led up to the incident.
Ongoing Investigations
Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the circumstances of Martin’s death. These include the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigations proceed. An autopsy will be conducted to determine Martin’s official cause of death, including whether the medical emergency alone was responsible, or if the altercation during his arrest played a contributing role.
From College Standout to NFL Sensation
Doug Martin first rose to national attention during his college career at Boise State, where he excelled as a dynamic running back. His performance earned him a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his six seasons in Tampa Bay, Martin became a fan favorite, known for his speed, agility, and strength. He was twice selected to the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors, rushing for more than 5,300 yards and scoring 30 touchdowns over the course of his career. He finished his NFL journey with a final season playing for the then–Oakland Raiders in 2018. His death has shocked former teammates, coaches, fans, and the entire football community.
Another Tragic Loss: Rudi Johnson Dies at 45
Just weeks before Martin’s death, the football world lost another beloved former player. Rudi Johnson, a standout running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, passed away at the age of 45. His death was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt announcement on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. A Journey from Humble Beginnings to NFL Stardom
Johnson’s football journey began in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where he started playing at just six years old with the Ettrick Trojans in the Chesterfield Quarterback League. He later graduated from Thomas Dale High School and went on to excel at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University.
At Auburn, his breakout season earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, solidifying his position as a top NFL prospect. In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected him in the fourth round, and Johnson quickly proved his value. After a relatively quiet start, he had a breakout year in his third season, rushing for 957 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. He went on to have multiple 1,000-yard seasons and became a central figure in Cincinnati’s offense. Johnson ended his professional football career with a final season playing for the Detroit Lions in 2008.
Remembered as More Than Just an Athlete
On the day of his death, Bengals President Mike Brown issued an emotional tribute:
“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.”
While fans remember his toughness on the field, those closest to him emphasize the quiet generosity and commitment to service that defined his life after football. Johnson founded a charitable organization focused on supporting children and families — a mission he pursued with dedication, even as he battled personal struggles in private. Family members later revealed that Johnson had been dealing with mental health challenges, potentially linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition associated with repeated head trauma in football players.
Cause of Death: Confirmed as Suicide
Initially, the cause of death was not disclosed. However, police later confirmed that Rudi Johnson died by suicide in Florida shortly after midnight on September 23. Just four days before his passing, Johnson appeared via video at the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 induction ceremony. There, he was honored for his contributions to football and his community. In the video, he shared a heartfelt message to young athletes:
“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.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to the teammates, coaches, and community members who shaped his journey. Though he struggled in silence, his heart remained dedicated to uplifting others. Through his charity work and his enduring connection to his hometown, Johnson left a legacy far greater than his football achievements.
A Painful Month for the NFL
The deaths of Doug Martin and Rudi Johnson have cast a somber shadow over the NFL community. Both men thrilled fans with their performances on the field, and both left behind stories of resilience, hardship, and service. Their passing is a stark reminder of the mental and physical toll that professional sports can have on athletes — even long after the final whistle. But above all, their lives serve as lasting examples of dedication, heart, and the importance of supporting others.
If you or someone you know is struggling or considering suicide, help is available.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255),
Text “HELLO” to 741-741,