Ex-Minnesota Vikings Star and First Round Pick Has Died
Doug Martin has sadly passed away at the age of 68. The former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman will go down in franchise history as one of their best-ever players. Following the news of Martin's death, the Vikings released a statement.
"The Vikings are mourning the loss of 1980 first-round pick Doug Martin, who passed away Monday at age 68, days before the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft," the statement began. "...During his time with the Huskies, Martin formed a friendship with Washington teammate Warren Moon, who later quarterbacked the Vikings during his Pro Football Hall of Fame career."
The statement then provides a statement from Warren Moon regarding his late teammate.
"I'll always remember his big chuckle, his laugh, and I will miss him calling me 'Moony,' Moon said. "He was a loyal and honest friend."
Martin spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Vikings. He suited up for 126 regular-season games, starting 94 of them. Martin also played in seven playoff games for Minnesota, although he didn't taste much postseason success throughout his tenure in the NFL.
No details regarding Martin's death have been released.
Former Teammates Pay Tribute to Doug Martin
As the news of Martin's death began to travel, tributes poured in from all over the NFL, both from former players and fans of the game.
"For a young guy, he was like a born leader," former teammate Al Burleson said, via Sports Illustrated. "He was that type of person where he fit right in. He just had all of the ability and qualifications to get instant respect after being there a couple of weeks."Scott Studwell, another former teammate, also gave a brief statement regarding Martin's death, focusing on the level of player he was during his time on the Vikings.
"Tough to hear about Doug — he's a great guy," Studwell said, via The New York Post. "He was a huge part of any success we had, and you could count on him. He was a great player and a better man. We will miss him."
Martin was clearly a well-liked individual. His death will undoubtedly come as a blow to Vikings fans and former players. Currently, no information regarding his funeral has been released, and it will likely remain private for close friends and family.
