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Former Chicago Bears Running Back And Heisman Trophy Winner “Rashaan Salaam” Dies At The Age Of 42

Rashaan Salaam

Photo Credit: WGN

The fraternity of Heisman Trophy winners and Bears running backs has lost a member on Tuesday.

Rashaan Salaam, who won college football’s top honor at Colorado in 1994 and played for the Bears for three seasons, died at the age of 42. The University of Colorado football program announced the death on Twitter.

A cause of death is unknown but Salaam was found in unconscious in a Colorado park.


After winning the Heisman Trophy with Buffaloes in 1994 after rushing for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns, Salaam was drafted in the first round by the Bears with the 21st overall pick.

His rookie season was his best in the NFL by far. Though plagued by nine fumbles, Salaam rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns as the 9-7 Bears narrowly missed the playoffs. Salaam would play in 12 games the next year with his carries and yardage dropping as he picked up just 496 yards on 153 carries – 153 less than the year before.

Salaam played in just three games in 1997 with 112 yards on 31 carries before the Bears let him go after the season. He would only play in two more NFL games for his career, both coming with the Browns in 1999.

Source: WGN News

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