Doug Martin was born January 13, 1989. He grew up in Stockton, California.
In high school, Martin put up eye-popping numbers: His junior year he rushed for 1,950 yards and 18 touchdowns and 1,234 and 14 TDs his senior season. Despite the stats, Martin was overlooked in recruiting. Rivals.com didn't have him ranked and rated him a two-star player. But Boise State head coach Chris Petersen saw Martin's talented and recruited him. All Martin would do while at Boise State was rush for 3,431 yards on 617 carries with 43 touchdowns. Check out his college highlights, he was a beast:
Martin's career was good enough to earn himself a first-round entry into the NFL. With the 31st pick in the 2012 draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Martin. And in his rookie season Martin broke out as a major star, rushing for over 1,450 yards and catching for nearly 500 yards on his way to the Pro Bowl. His 1,453 yards is a Tampa Bay rookie record.
In a game against the Oakland Raiders Martin rushed for 251-yards and tied an NFL record with 4 TDs in one half. Martin became the first player in NFL history to score touchdown runs of 70-plus, 45-plus, and 65-plus yards in a game, and is the second player in league history (along with Mike Anderson of the Denver Broncos) to run for 250+ yards and 4 TDs.
Unfortunately for Martin and the Bucs he hasn't stayed healthy the last two season, playing in just 17 games. He's rushed for just over 900 yards and 3 TDs in those games, battling a myriad of injuries.
Here's hoping Martin gets healthy for next season. Happy birthday, Doug Martin.
