Rashaan Salaam, an older NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner, passed suddenly on December 5, 2016, in San Diego, California. His death was originally reported as being looked at as a possible suicide. Rashaan’s death was found to be caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This article provides a more in-depth look at the cause of his death, his impressive football career, and the larger discussion of mental health in sports. Rashaan Salaam began his football career at a young age, displaying outstanding talent.
He was born in San Diego in 1974. He won the Heisman Trophy as a player for the Colorado Buffaloes in 1994. The next year, he was a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears of the NFL. His four years in the NFL were short, but he made a lasting impression by rushing for over 2,800 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Rashaan Salaam Death
Ex-NFL running back Rashaan Salaam, 42, passed away on December 9, according to a discharge on the University of Colorado’s official athletics website and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who cited a family spokesman.
Former Heisman Trophy winner and Bears’ first-round pick Rashaan Salaam died at age of 42, per family spokesman. Another gone way too soon.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2016
Autopsy results released Thursday by the Boulder County coroner concluded that Salaam “shot himself in the head in the Boulder park where he was found.”The 1994 Heisman Trophy winner played for the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns during his professional career.
After 14 seasons in the NFL, he finished with 1,684 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns. Salaam played for the XFL’s Memphis Maniax after retiring from the NFL in 1999. He was tied for third in rushing touchdowns with five and ended fourth in rushing yards with 528 in the league’s single season.
In 2004, he hung up his CFL jersey after playing for the Toronto Argonauts. Salaam was an outstanding player for the University of Colorado Buffaloes. As a junior, he set records for rushing yards (2,055) and rushing touchdowns (24) and became the first athlete from Colorado to win the Heisman Trophy.
After Salaam’s death, former Buffaloes coach Bill McCartney reportedly said, according Neill Woelk of Colorado’s official athletics website, :”He was very coachable. 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.”
Former Colorado player Chad Brown said, “I heard the news, too.
Beyond saddened to hear the news about my @cubuffs teammate and friend Rashaan Salaam. We lost a true Buffalo today.
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) December 6, 2016
The 2017 class of the College Football Hall of Fame will be announced on January 6th, and Salaam is currently on the ballot for inclusion.
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FAQs:
Q-When Did Rashaan Salaam Pass Away?
A- Sunday, December 4, 2016, in San Diego, California.
Q- What Was Rashaan Salaam’s Cause Of Death?
The autopsy told that he shot himself in the head and that he was drunk with alcohol and had trace doses of marijuana in his approach.
Q- When he won the Heisman Trophy, was Rashaan Salaam the first recipient to take his own life?
A- The first known Heisman Trophy winner to commit suicide was the 1936 winner, Larry Kelley.
Q- How will Rashaan Salaam’s legacy be remembered?
A- Salaam’s tale, beyond his amazing football achievements, highlights the significance of mental health awareness and intervention, specifically in the empire of athletics.