Heisman winner Salaam dead at 42
Mother: Police find note, suspect suicide
Rashaan Salaam, winner of the 1994 Heisman Trophy and a firstround NFL draft pick in 1995, was found dead shortly before 11 p.m. ET Monday at a park in Boulder, Colo., a Boulder police spokeswoman said.
Salaam’s mother, Khalada, told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that police said they suspected it was 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 was under investigation. She said there was no indication of foul play and no threat to the community. A 911 call Monday 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.
“It’s just a big trip. That’s all I can say,” Salaam’s mother said. “We just found out this morning, and we’re going to Colorado to take care of him.”
She said the family hoped to bury him in Boulder, because “he liked it there and was successful there, and he liked the people there.”
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 alumni who took special pride this year in the football program’s revival as winner of the Pac-12 Conference’s South Division.
“CU started winning this year, too,” Salaam’s mother said. “That was amazing.”
The Chicago Bears selected Salaam in the first round of the draft in 1995. He rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season, but he soon was slowed by injuries and his production fell off after that. His last NFL season was in 1999. He made a comeback attempt in 2003 but was cut in the preseason by the San Francisco 49ers.
The last post on his Facebook page, dated Nov. 27, includes a video of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick singing the song That’s What Friends Are For.
In the post, Salaam noted he was “feeling joyful” and told people to “keep smiling.”
Followers since have posted condolences in the comments section.
News of his death shook the CU community Tuesday as many remembered Salaam’s slicing runs in 1994 on a team that might be one of the greatest to not win a national championship. It included standout quarterback Kordell Stewart and star receiver Michael Westbrook, who combined for a legendary Hail Mary pass that season to beat Michigan as time expired. It also featured a stellar offensive line that Salaam often credited for his success.
Salaam scored a school-record 24 rushing touchdowns that season and had nine consecutive 100-yard games. He rushed for 317 yards in a 34-31 win at Texas a week after the miracle win at Michigan.
“He had a happy heart,” former Colorado coach Bill McCartney said in a statement on the CU athletics website. “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.”
Salaam turned pro after that magical 1994 season, his junior year. He spent three seasons in Chicago, going a long way in a short time after leaving San Diego’s La Jolla Country Day School, where he played eight-man football. After football, he eventually returned to Colorado, where he will always be revered.
“This is a sad day for the entire university community as we mourn Rashaan’s death,” CU Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano said 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.”