Vikings announce death of former first-round pick Doug Martin, who was first player to officially lead NFL in sacks

TL;DR

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Doug Martin has passed away at the age of 68. Martin was notable for being the first player to officially lead the NFL in sacks.

Key points

Doug Martin was a former Minnesota Vikings defensive end
He died at the age of 68
Martin was the first player to officially lead the NFL in sacks
Teammates remembered him as a loyal and honest friend

Doug MartinMinnesota Vikings

23 Oct 1988: Defensive end Doug Martin of the Minnesota Vikings in action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Vikings won the game 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Allen Steele /Allsport

(Allen Steele via Getty Images)

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Doug Martin died Monday, the team announced. He was 68.

The Vikings spoke to a few of Martin’s teammates, including quarterback Warren Moon, who called Martin a “loyal and honest friend,” per the team’s website.

"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."

Linebacker Scott Studwell — a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor and another of Martin’s teamamtes — said Martin was “a great player and a better man.”

"Tough to hear about Doug — he's a great guy," Studwell said. "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."

Q&A

What were Doug Martin's achievements in the NFL?

Doug Martin was the first player to officially lead the NFL in sacks and was a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1980.

How did Doug Martin's teammates remember him?

Teammates, including quarterback Warren Moon, remembered Doug Martin as a loyal and honest friend.

When did Doug Martin pass away?

Doug Martin passed away on Monday at the age of 68.