BREAKING: Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam dies aged 42 

  • Rashaan Salaam was found dead on Monday at the age of 42
  • His body was discovered in a Boulder, Colorado park and there were no signs of foul play 
  • Salaam won the Heisman Trophy in 1994 as a junior at Colorado 
  • He later rushed for for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season with the Chicago Bears 
  • That won him NFC Rookie of the Year honors, but he left the NFL after the 1999 season 

A former professional football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1994 passed away on Monday night.

Rashaan Salaam, who played for Colorado University and was awarded the top honor in college football as a junior, was found dead in a Boulder park at the age of 42.

Police say there were no signs of foul play and the cause of death remains unclear at this time.

Salaam went on to play in the NFL where he rushed for for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season with the Chicago Bears, wining him NFC Rookie of the Year honors.

He had less success in the years after, and in 1999 he left the league. 

Tragedy: Rashaan Salaam (above with his 1994 Heisman Trophy) was found dead on Monday at the age of 42

Greatest: Salaam's body was discovered in a Boulder, Colorado park and there were no signs of foul play (above in 1995)

'The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today,' said Athletic Director Chris George. 

'We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.'

Salaam easily took home the 1994 Heisman honors after a season in which he rushed for over 2,000 yards, making him only the fourth player in NCAA history to do so. 

Once he turned pro he struggled with drug use, and told ESPN in a 1999 interview that marijuana had contributed to his problems on the field.

'It probably had me out there lackadaisical instead of going out there 100 percent,' said Salaam. 

'Everybody thinks getting high is cool, you can let it go when you want to let it go, but it's just as potent as cocaine."

'This is a sad day for the entire university community as we mourn Rashaan’s death,' said Colorado Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano in a statement

'Rashaan will be remembered as one of the greatest football players to ever wear a Buffs uniform, and his 1994 Heisman Trophy brought great prestige and honor to the university. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.'

Former College GameDay host and fellow Colorado grad Chris Fowler also commented on the loss, saying: 'Like all Buffs everywhere, I am filled with sadness at the news of Rashaan’s passing. The night in December, 1994, when Rashaan was presented the Heisman Trophy, is certainly one of CU’s finest moments ever. 

'He was a deeply proud and loyal Buff and Heisman fraternity brother. Being there to share in his joy as the host of that program for the very first time will always remain a cherished memory.

'I will miss those hugs and his big smiles. And I will always think of Rashaan, dressed in black and gold, charging down the sideline on the way to his 2000 yards.'

Fowler later added on Twitter: 'I am stunned and sick with grief at Rashaan Salaam's passing. A great and loyal Buff. Be at peace, my friend.'

 

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