Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam found dead in Colorado park
BOULDER, Colo. -- Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam was found dead in a Colorado park, authorities said Tuesday.
The Boulder County coroner’s office was still investigating the cause of the death of the 42-year-old Salaam, who won the Heisman in 1994.
The body of the one-time running back was found Monday night at Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder. Police say foul play was not suspected.
Salaam led Colorado to one of its best seasons in 1994, when the Buffaloes went 11-1 beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl and finished No. 3 in the final polls.
In his junior year, when he won the Heisman, Salaam ran for a school-record 2,055 yards, becoming only the fourth college back to go for over 2,000 yards in a single season, CBS Denver reported.
He had a terrific rookie season with the Chicago Bears in 1995, rushing for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns.
But he only scored three times in the next two years and he played his last game in 1999 with the Cleveland Browns.
Salaam’s cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.
