Former Heisman winner Salaam found dead in park

Rashaan Salaam, winner of the 1994 Heisman Trophy and a first-round NFL draft pick in 1995, was found dead shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday night at a park in Boulder, Colorado.

His mother, Khalada said on Tuesday that police said they suspect it’s a suicide after finding a note.

“They said they found a note and would share that with us when we get there,” Salaam’s mother said.

The police spokeswoman said the cause of death is still under investigation. She said there is no indication of foul play and no threat to the community. A 911 call Monday night reported a body found in Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder, later identified as Salaam, 42, who starred at running back for the University of Colorado.

Salaam, who is from San Diego, led Colorado to one of the most charmed football seasons in its history in 1994, when he rushed for 2,055 yards and helped the team finish No. 3 nationally with an 11-1 record. He was beloved by the CU community and was among many CU alumni who took special pride this year in the football program’s revival as winners of the Pac-12 Conference South Division.

The Chicago Bears selected Salaam and he rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, but he soon was slowed by injuries and his production fell off after that. He was out of league a few years later.