The family of former NFL running back Doug Martin has revealed that he privately battled significant mental-health issues in the months leading up to his sudden death at 36.
The announcement came via his former agent, who stated on behalf of the Martin family early this week.
Martin died in the early hours of Saturday after being taken into custody in Oakland following a reported break-in. According to police, a brief struggle occurred during his detention, and Martin became unresponsive and later died at the hospital.
Doug Martin, a former NFL star, son, and beloved figure, was reportedly in the midst of a mental health crisis when he died in Oakland police custody. Now loved ones are demanding bodycam footage and answers. pic.twitter.com/I9TVhLXO8q
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) October 22, 2025
In the statement provided by his agent, Martin’s family explained: “Privately, Doug battled mental-health challenges that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life.”
They went on to say that his parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support before the tragic incident.
According to the family, Martin was feeling “overwhelmed and disoriented” before he fled his home late at night and entered a nearby residence. This event prompted police intervention. The family described the mental illness struggle as “the one opponent from which Doug could not run.”
