RIP to the former Buffalo and Heisman Trophy winner.
Today it was announced that former star running back for the Colorado Buffaloes, and 1994 Heisman Trophy Award winner, Rashaan Salaam, was found dead in a park in Colorado. He was 41 years old.
Salaam was the nation’s best running back in 1994, rushing for 2,055 yards and 24 TDs, averaging 6.9 yards a carry that season. In his three year career in Colorado, Salaam posted 3,057 yards rushing, 38 TDs and averaged 6.3 yards per carry. He bested the field in a hotly debated Heisman Trophy race which featured Ki-Jana Carter and Steve McNair. After his junior year in 1994, he declared for the NFL draft and was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 21st pick.
In his rookie season with the team, he rushed for 1,074 yards, becoming the youngest rookie to rush for 1,000 yards (he was 21 years and 77 days old).
“We’re minus one true Buffalo today.” Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam passes away at age 42. https://t.co/IsjgXPpPSo
Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) December 6, 2016
Authorities say Salaam was found dead in a park in Boulder, CO and that no signs of foul play were found.
“The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today,” athletic director Rick George said Tuesday. “We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.”
He was very coachable, Bill McCartney, Salaams coach with the Buffaloes, said in a statement. He had a happy heart. I loved being around him. He didn’t take himself too seriously, and he always credited those around him, especially his offensive line. What I liked about him is that he had a sparkle in his eye. He was upbeat and positive.
