Two Pro Bowls, a First-Team All-Pro selection, 5,724 total yards, 28 total touchdowns, and yet, Doug Martin feels like he has something to prove.
The former No. 31 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ready to make an impact in his rookie season. Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns during his first NFL season, helping the team reach a 7-9 record.
Six years removed from his rookie campaign, Martin is approaching his first season with the Oakland Raiders the same way he approached the game as an athletic 23 year old.
"My approach is just basically I'm a rookie again," he said Tuesday. "I have to prove to the team and the players, coaches that I can be useful on this team. Like I said, I just act like a rookie and go out and play. Play the game that I love."
In the time he's spent with the team, Martin has exuded a relatively calm energy, keeping his head down and going about his business. Quiet, and soft-spoken, he's studied the offense, getting a feel for his new quarterback and offensive line; however, Derek Carr has been taking notes on his new running back as well.
"I feel like with running backs, you're going to see the most out of them when the pads come on and everything we've seen of Doug is awesome," Carr said. "You see why he's an All-Pro. You see why he's a 1,500-yard back. His work ethic is unbelievable. He finished a run to the end zone today and didn't stop until he got there and then he ran back to make sure he's getting even more in shape. It's little things like that that show young guys, 'Hey man, that's how you do it.'"
"Doug's a great player," fullback Keith Smith added. "He's a natural running back. You see him out there in OTAs and he moves like a running back. It's like he was born to do it. It's fun to have guys who have the experience and know what it feels like to have some success. Working towards that success in the offseason is exciting. We've got a nice little stable back there."
Among his peers, Martin has already proved he's capable of serving an important role on the team, but staying humble, and hungry, is what he's focused on for the time being. As Carr mentioned, No. 28 put his work ethic on full display Tuesday during Day Four of the team's Organized Team Activities [OTAs], he also showed off his skill set on a number of plays during practice.
With bruising running back Marshawn Lynch also in the fold, Martin will provide a dynamic running-style in his own right, with the two serving as a one-two punch. The former Boise State Bronco look forward to not only working with Beast Mode, but the Raiders offensive line as well.
"As a running back, you'd love to run behind them," Martin said. "They've been doing an awesome job and they have been in the previous year. We just got two other big guys on the line, the rookies. They're learning the play book and they're going to come along real well."
The Raiders will look to punish opposing defenses with a bevy of offensive weapons, and seeing how Head Coach Jon Gruden utilizes Martin peaks my curiosity. Regardless of how he's used, the seven-year veteran is grateful for his opportunity with his hometown team.
"I just want to play for the Raiders and I want the Raiders to be successful," he said. "Playing for my hometown and playing for my family that's out here. Just show everybody that I can bounce back."
Take a look at photos as the Raiders hit the practice field for Tuesday's organized team activity.
Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Tank Carradine (96), defensive end Fadol Brown (95), and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) and safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Griff Whalen (13) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Shareece Wright (35) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) and head coach Jon Gruden at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and strength and conditioning assistant Deuce Gruden at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Chris Warren (34) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (54) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders players at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle PJ Hall (92) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Isaac Whitney (19) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Christian Hackenberg (7) and tight end Paul Butler (84) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (80) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Christian Hackenberg (7) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Azeem Victor (57) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tight end Pharaoh Brown (81) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ryan Switzer (15) and safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver and return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) and safety Erik Harris (25) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (54) and cornerback Rahsaan Melvin (22) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders placekicker Giorgio Tavecchio (2) and punter Johnny Townsend (5) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tight end Paul Butler (84) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tight end Paul Butler (84) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle PJ Hall (92) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at the Oakland Raiders Practice Facility, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Alameda, California.
