The entire Broncos nation went silent on 19th October 2025, when the news of their former running back Doug Martin’s passing away at 36 came out. Martin was a true legend, known for his relentless hustle and dedication to the team. Standing at 5’9 and 210 lbs, his exceptional build gave him the nickname “Muscle Hamster,” and he was also the 31st overall pick in 2012 by the Bucs. But now the entire football community is in shock, bidding goodbye to their star who’s gone far too soon!

Coming out of Boise State, this 3,431-yard legend made an instant impact on his NFL career. Starting as a rookie for Tampa Bay, he rushed for 1,454 yards with 11 touchdowns on 319 carries, even adding 49 receptions for 472 yards with one touchdown. And losing an exceptional talent like him suddenly is what’s pushing fans to the edge. Just like this fan who took X mourning in complete shock: “WHAT?!!!? No way, man. He was so young. I, along with many others, had such fond memories of watching him play. Rest in peace.”

The moment Doug Martin’s family put out this heartbreaking news, came out Fox Sports. Greg Auman took it straight to X: “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,” the statement read. Now, the reason behind his death is still under wraps, as the family doesn’t want it to come out yet, or they are a bit unsure about the entire incident.

The investigation is still underway, but fans have taken to social media to express their grief and sorrow, honoring his presence both on and off the field. After spending 6 years in Tampa Bay, Martin became a big name there, especially after his 2015 performance. When he recorded 1,402 rushing yards with 6 TDs, earning first-team All-Pro honors. He even recorded 33 receptions for 271 yards with another TD. With that level of excellence, Martin finished his run with the Bucs in 2017, concluding with 5,356 yards and 30 TDs.

After that, Doug Martin moved to the Oklahoma Raiders looking for a new start. After backing up Marshawn Lynch till he was out for injury, Martin took over the reins. His best performance came against the Denver Broncos, where he recorded 107 rushing yards with a TD. Then in 2019 he once again signed with the Raiders when Isaiah Crowell was injured but then later was released from injury reserve. Born in California, football was always Martin’s ultimate goal, and his two-time first-team all-conference selection and his success at Boise State made him one of the most talented RBs of his time.

And that legacy, which ended too soon, is what is leaving fans in complete disbelief.

Fans mourning their legends tragic death

Nobody could forget the impact Doug Martin had on Boise State. From nearly taking the load of the entire run game on his shoulders to taking his team to victory against Georgia in 2011 with 57 rushing yards and 1 TD, he became an unsung hero for all Broncos fans. Just like this one who couldn’t hold back his grief: “Heartbreaking news… Doug is a legend. A fixture of “The Stable” at Boise State. A selfless player that switched sides of the ball and then became one of the best running backs in school history, helping the team climb to heights no one thought possible. Just devastating news… Rest in peace, Doug.”

What’s adding more into it is how sudden all of it happened, taking everyone associated with Martin into immense despair. Especially for his family, who doesn’t even know what happened to him. But with fans even Boise State’s AD Jeremiah Dickey stood tall beside them and said, “A Bronco legend gone way too soon…praying for family, friends, and for the @BroncoSportsFB brotherhood impacted 🙏🏼 I am so sorry to hear this 💔.” Then another one jumped right in, expressing how deeply Doug Martin’s demise has affected the entire Bucs and Broncos nation: “Tragic 💔 RIP Legend…” Gonna miss ya. 😔” 

Now, this fan didn’t just talk about his sorrow but also highlighted how well Martin held up his ground under HC Chris Petersen, who coached him into a dynamic star. “Man, this is so sad. One of the cornerstones of those early 2010s Chris Petersen teams,” they said. Even if the legend is no more there with us in person, his impact and excellence will always echo in everyone’s heart. May his soul rest in peace.