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 Baltimore Ravens announced the death of Super Bowl champion Arthur Jones on Oct. 3. He was 39. McCoy and Jones were members of the 2010 NFL Draft class and spent time training together leading up to the scouting combine. On Saturday, reports surfaced about the death of former running back Doug Martin.

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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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin during the Carolina Panthers game at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 7, 2014. (Kim Klement/USA Today Sports)

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.

McCoy told The Athletic he hoped to avoid being moved to a state of detachment due to the series of heartbreaking events.

“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.”

DETAILS EMERGE IN DEATH OF EX-NFL STAR DOUG MARTIN

In addition to Martin’s death, McCoy has recently contended with the loss of former NFL players: Geno Hayes, Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson. McCoy spent time with all of those players at different points in his lengthy stint with the Buccaneers.

Te’o-Nesheim and Jackson were posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegengerative disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma.

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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93), running back Doug Martin (22) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) pose for a photo at NFC media day for the Pro Bowl on Jan. 25, 2013, in Hawaii. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

“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.”

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy of the Buccaneers exits the field after a loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 5, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

“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.”

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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.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

The post Gerald McCoy shares sobering reality after former NFL teammate Doug Martin's death: 'This keeps happening' appeared first on My Blog.

However, much of the postgame chatter centered around the game’s officiating – not the Lions’ performance. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield confronted one of the referees.

Mayfield was later asked about the heated exchange. He proceeded to share his thoughts on his experience with officiating on Monday night.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images)

“A third-down defensive holding call that wasn’t called, and also still pretty damn confused about the double review,” Mayfield said. “A lot of things in that game that were a little questionable … I work my ass off, and I put a lot into this game, so when [calls are made] that I don’t think are deemed fair, I’m going to let somebody know.”

The controversial review Mayfield referenced happened in the second half after the Heisman Trophy winner completed a short pass to Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton on fourth down.

BUCS STAR MIKE EVANS SUFFERS BROKEN CLAVICLE IN POTENTIAL SEASON-ENDING INJURY AGAINST LIONS

Following a challenge from the Lions, officials initially upheld the ruling that Otton completed the catch. It was also determined that Otton gained the necessary yardage for a first down. However, a referee returned to the video review monitor and ultimately announced that the call on the field had been reversed.

Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The reversal granted the Lions possession and also resulted in the restoration of a timeout.

An overturned play earlier in the game also sparked outrage. Referees ruled a three-yard pass intended for Otton was intercepted by the Lions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 20, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Aside from the officiating controversy, the Bucs had little success finding a counterpunch to the Lions’ running game. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 136 yards and scored two touchdowns, while running back David Montgomery added 21 yards for the Lions.

By contrast, Tampa Bay managed to generate a total of 41 yards on the ground.

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Star wide receiver Mike Evans left the game on a medical cart. He has since been diagnosed with a broken clavicle. The New Orleans Saints host the Bucs on Sunday in a matchup of NFC South rivals.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

The post Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield fumes over officiating following controversial calls in loss to Lions appeared first on My Blog.