Former Colorado Buffalo, Heisman Trophy winner, Chicago Bear and Cleveland Brown RB Rashaan Salaam (October 8, 1974-December 6, 2016) was found dead in a Boulder Park Monday night. The cause of death is currently under investigation but police suspect no foul play. Salaam was identified by the Boulder County coroner after a passerby spotted his body and called police around 8:45 MST Monday night. There is no further threat to the community at this time.

Salaam was born in San Diego, CA. He is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals RB Teddy Washington. He played his high School ball at La Jolla Country Day School where he was voted a high school All- American. He ran for 100 yards or more in every high school game but one.

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Salaam played for the University of Colorado from 1992-1994. He was one of the top rushers to ever play for the school. During his junior season of 1994, he ran for 2,055 yards. He became only the 4th college back to break the 2000 yard mark.  He also ran for 24 TDs and helped lead the Buffalos to a record of 11-1, a victory in the Fiesta Bowl and a national ranking of third in the nation. He was a unanimous college All-American and became the first Heisman Trophy winner from the school. He would forgo his final season and prepare for the NFL by entering the draft.

Rashaan Salaam was drafted by the Chicago Bears with 21st overall pick in 1995. He would play for the Bears from 1995-1997. His best season would be his rookie season in which he rushed for 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. He would become the youngest player in NFL to history to rush for 1,000 yards. He would have issues with injuries and fumbles throughout his NFL career that only amassed 4 seasons.

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Salaam would contribute his downfall in the NFL to heavily partying and off-season life. He would attempt to have a couple more comebacks. His final attempt was in 2004 in the Canadian Football League. A young man who had a promising career and let the outside influences take over. None the less he was taken from us too soon.

Rashaan Salaam gone at the age of 42, RIP!!