Former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Doug Martin, the ninth overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, has died. He was 68 years old.
Martin spent 10 seasons with the Vikings, appearing in 126 regular-season games and making 94 starts. In 1982, a season shortened to nine games due to a players' strike, he led the league with 11.5 sacks. His career-high came in 1983, when he recorded 13 sacks.
Martin finished his career with 61.5 sacks, placing him fourth on the Vikings' all-time sack list. He was part of the team’s final two outdoor seasons before the Metrodome opened in 1982.
His older brother, George Martin, played for the New York Giants from 1975 to 1988.
Our condolences go out to Doug Martin’s family, friends, and colleagues.