Gerald McCoy shares sobering reality after former NFL teammate Doug Martin's death: 'This keeps happening'

During that span, the six-time Pro Bowler mourned the loss of five of his former teammates and NFL colleagues - all of whom died before their 40th birthdays. 

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was in police custody at the time. He was 36. McCoy played alongside Martin during their time in Tampa Bay.

Earlier this month, McCoy also learned that his uncle passed away.

Shortly after learning of Martin's death, McCoy urged others to check in with their loved ones. "Man that's the 5th teammate I've lost. Yea I'm done for the day. Yall go check on yall people man," McCoy wrote on X.

"You don't want to get to a point where you become numb to it," McCoy told the outlet. "It's just hard to deal with, and it's unbelievable. This keeps happening."

Martin's family sought assistance all the way up until the final hours of his life.

"Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support," a statement from Martin's former agent, Brian Murphy, read.

"Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor's residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway."

 McCoy recalled the special bond he developed with Jackson and his admiration for how he lived up to his nickname "The Ultimate Pro." 

"How he carried himself in the building, how he did interviews, how he practiced," McCoy said. "How he took care of his body, how he was with his family, everything. That's who V-Jack was. So when we lost him, it was like, 'not him, of all people.' He was Captain America. So that one hit us probably the hardest."

McCoy finished his decade-long pro football career with 59.5 sacks. He transitioned to broadcasting after his playing days ended and currently works as an NFL Network analyst.