Rashaan Salaam, ex-Bears RB and Heisman Trophy winner, dead at 42 - NY Daily News

 

Heisman trophy winner and former NFL running back Rashaan Salaam has died at the age of 42.

 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the former Bears first-round pick was found dead in a park in Boulder, Colorado on Monday night. According to Schefter, the police said there was no sign of foul play.

 

Salaam's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, the Boulder Daily Camera is reporting, per a source.

 

Salaam was a superstar running back at the University of Colorado and took home the Heisman Trophy in 1994, beating out Warren Sapp and Steve McNair.

 

The Buffaloes tweeted out a tribute message to Salaam Tuesday afternoon. "We're minus one true Buffalo today."

 

"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."

 

Salaam won the Heisman in runaway fashion in '94 after rushing for 2,055 yards and leading the Buffaloes to a 11-1 record and a No. 3 ranking.

 

"He was very coachable," Salaam's coach at CU, Bill McCartney, said in a statement released by the university. "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."

 

The running back was drafted at No. 21 overall by the Bears and spent three seasons in Chicago.

 

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Injuries really killed his career, kinda like Ki-Jana Carter. Sad to hear

Rest in peace.

I wonder if they do an autopsy if they will find CTE issues. This could be another Junior Seau situation...so sad...

They just mentioned him this Sunday. He was the last Bear to run for three scores prior to Howard's performance this week. I loved watching those Buffs squads.

Rashaan Salaam committed suicide with gunshot to the head - NY Daily News

 

Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam died of a gunshot wound to the head, the Boulder County (Colo.) Coroner said in a release Thursday.

 

Salaam, 42, was found dead in Boulder’s Eben G. Fine Park Dec. 5 and had lived in nearby Superior, Colo.

 

“An autopsy was completed and the cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death was suicide,” said the Boulder County Coroner.

Rashaan Salaam committed suicide with gunshot to the head - NY Daily News

 

Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam died of a gunshot wound to the head, the Boulder County (Colo.) Coroner said in a release Thursday.

 

Salaam, 42, was found dead in Boulder’s Eben G. Fine Park Dec. 5 and had lived in nearby Superior, Colo.

 

“An autopsy was completed and the cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death was suicide,” said the Boulder County Coroner.

I will never understand how this is the easiest path for someone to take.

I will never understand how this is the easiest path for someone to take.

 

If your brain is messed up (and the NFL can do that to you)...I can understand it...