The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of former defensive end Doug Martin, who died Monday at age 68, just days before the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Martin was selected by Minnesota with the No. 9 overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington, where he helped lead the Huskies to a Sun Bowl victory over Texas and earned Most Valuable Lineman honors.
He went on to spend his entire NFL career with the Vikings from 1980-89, emerging as a key contributor during a transitional era for the franchise. Martin recorded 61.5 career sacks in 126 regular-season games, including 94 starts, and added six starts in seven postseason appearances.
His most productive season came in 1983, when he registered a career-high 13 sacks. A year earlier, during the strike-shortened 1982 season, Martin led the NFL with 11.5 sacks, the first season the league officially tracked the statistic.
Martin played alongside standout defenders including Chris Doleman and Keith Millard, helping Minnesota reach the NFC Championship Game following the 1987 season.
Teammates and coaches remembered Martin as a steady presence and quiet leader.
"Doug is a leader in a quiet way," former defensive coordinator Floyd Peters once said. "He works hard to show people how things should be done."
Martin's career total of 61.5 sacks ranked fourth in franchise history at the time of his retirement and still stands among the top 10 in team history.
He is also remembered for his close friendship with Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, a former college teammate.
Martin is survived by family and remembered as both a productive defender and respected figure within the organization.
