Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam found dead in Colorado park

Former University of Colorado running back Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner, was found dead Monday night in a Boulder, Colorado park. He was 42.

A middle-aged passerby discovered the body and called police at approximately 8:54 p.m. Monday. Salaam was pronounced dead at the scene. Boulder police said there were no signs of foul play and according to the Boulder Daily Camera, Salaam’s death is being investigated as a possible suicide.

The coroner’s office will conduct an official investigation to determine the cause and manner of death.

“The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement on the school’s website. “We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.”

Salaam won the 1994 Heisman in a landslide — 248 votes and 842 points — after rushing for 2,055 yards. At the time, he was just the fourth player in college football history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. He also won the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best running back.

Salaam helped lead the Buffaloes to an 11-1 finish that included a 41-24 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buffs finished No. 3 in the final polls.

“He was very coachable,” his coach Bill McCartney said in a statement. “He had a happy heart. 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 was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears and played three seasons with the team, winning NFC Rookie of the Year honors in 1995. He also played briefly with Cleveland and Green Bay.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday