{UAH} Ex-Bears RB, Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam dead at 42

Ex-Bears RB, Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam dead at 42  

theScore

18 hrs ago

Former Colorado running back and Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam was found dead in a Boulder, Colo. park Monday night. He was 42.

Police said there were no signs of foul play.

"The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today," Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement. "We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time."

© Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Salaam played for the Buffaloes from 1992-94 and captured the Heisman Trophy in his last season. He rushed for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns that year, leading the Buffs to an 11-1 record and a win in the Fiesta Bowl over Notre Dame.

"He was very coachable," his former college coach, Bill McCartney said. "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."

After a standout career at Colorado, Salaam was selected 21st overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. In his first year, he set the still-standing NFL record for youngest player to reach 1000 yards - 21 years, 77 days old. He played four seasons in the NFL, three with Chicago and one with the Cleveland Browns.

He also bounced around the CFL with the short-lived Memphis Maniax and Toronto Argonauts, and briefly signed with the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Salaam totaled 1,684 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground before calling it quits.

Rashaan Salaam

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