Former Husky Great Doug Martin Dies at 68

Martin was a standout defensive tackle who helped turn the University of Washington football program into a success in the late 1970s.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:56am by

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric shapes and planes of a college football player in motion, with the colors of the University of Washington Huskies predominant, conceptually representing the lasting impact of Doug Martin's career.The geometric deconstruction of a dominant defensive performance captures the essence of Doug Martin's impact on the University of Washington football program.San Francisco Today

Doug Martin, an All-American defensive tackle who played for the University of Washington in the late 1970s under legendary coach Don James, has died at the age of 68 due to natural causes. Martin was the first of many star players to emerge under James and helped establish the Huskies as a powerhouse program, starting 40 consecutive games and earning All-Pac-10 and second-team All-America honors. After being drafted 9th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1980, Martin enjoyed a 10-year NFL career, making the All-Pro team in 1982.

Why it matters

Martin was a key figure in the rise of the University of Washington football program under Don James in the late 1970s, helping transform the Huskies into a national power. His passing marks the loss of an influential player who left a lasting impact on the school and the sport.

The details

As a defensive tackle, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Martin emerged from Fairfield, California and joined the Huskies in 1976 during James' second year as head coach. By midseason, Martin had earned a starting spot and would go on to start 40 consecutive games for Washington, including appearances in the 1978 Rose Bowl and 1979 Sun Bowl. Over his career, Martin racked up 313 tackles, including 106 as a junior, and earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as a junior and senior.

  • Martin joined the University of Washington football team in 1976.
  • He started 40 consecutive games for the Huskies from 1976 to 1979.
  • Martin played in the 1978 Rose Bowl and 1979 Sun Bowl with Washington.
  • He was drafted 9th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1980 NFL Draft.
  • Martin played 10 seasons in the NFL, making the All-Pro team in 1982.

The players

Doug Martin

A standout defensive tackle who played for the University of Washington from 1976 to 1979, helping turn the Huskies into a national power under coach Don James. He was drafted 9th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1980 and played 10 seasons in the NFL.

Don James

The legendary head football coach of the University of Washington from 1975 to 1992, who transformed the Huskies into a national powerhouse program.

Al Burleson

A former safety and teammate of Doug Martin at the University of Washington.

Spider Gaines

A former wide receiver and teammate of Doug Martin at the University of Washington.

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What they’re saying

“For a young guy, he was like a born leader. 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.”

— Al Burleson, Former UW safety and teammate

“He made sure we had a great pass rush. He was a great talent.”

— Spider Gaines, Former UW wide receiver and teammate

The takeaway

Doug Martin's passing marks the loss of a key figure in the University of Washington's rise to prominence under coach Don James in the late 1970s. As an All-American defensive tackle, Martin helped establish the Huskies as a national power and went on to enjoy a successful 10-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.