San Diego County Native, Heisman Winner Found Dead

Authorities say 1994 Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam has been found dead in a Colorado park, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Salaam, a La Jolla native and La Jolla Country Day graduate, won the Heisman in 1994 at the University of Colorado.

The Heisman Trophy, issued to the most outstanding player in the country, is college football’s most prestigious award.

Salaam was an All-American running back at Colorado. He rushed for 2,055 yards during his 1994 junior season -- only the fourth major college football player to surpass the 2,000-yard milestone.

Salaam had four consecutive 200-yard rushing games during the season, his best effort coming against Texas, when he set a school record with 362 yards of total offense in a 34-31 Colorado win in Austin.

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After winning the Heisman, Salaam declared for the NFL Draft, and the Chicago Bears selected him with 21st overall.

In 1995, he rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns, a Bears rookie record that stood until 2001 when it was broken by Anthony Thomas.

Salaam later played for Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers; however, chronic injuries disintegrated his professional career.

Salaam is one of four San Diego natives to win a Heisman Trophy. Lincoln High’s Marcus Allen, Patrick Henry’s Ricky Williams and Helix’s Reggie Bush are the others. Bush's Heisman was later stripped due to NCAA rule violations.

Salaam's alma matter, La Jolla County Day, sent out a note to their community following his death. 

“We lost a great Torrey today,” said Kevin Reaume, LJCDS PE teacher and varsity track and field coach who coached Rashaan in football and track, in a statement. “He was a standout athlete who was proud to the wear the Torrey uniform. I was honored to have coached such a gifted young man who was inspirational in building the legacy of Torrey athletics.”

Salaam attended the school for all four years of high school; he helped lead the football team to three CIF championships and the track team to four CIF championships. 

In addition, he received numerous honors during his time at the school. He was named to All-League Football team three times and the All-League Track Team four times; he was also named to the All-State Football and All-State Track teams.

"Rashaan epitomized the true scholar, artist and athlete while at LJCDS. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, he also sang in the chorus, performed in musicals, and was a student of character," the letter from the school read.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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