NFL champion found dead this morning

Rashaan Salaam, winner of the 1994 Heisman Trophy and a first-round NFL draft pick in 1995, was found dead on Monday night at a park in Colorado, USA. On Tuesday, the Boulder County coroner’s office said that it was still investigating the cause of death of Salaam, who was found in a parking lot at Eben G Fine Park shortly before 9PM.

A call was received by 911 which they reported in an interview with ESPN that a body was found in the said park. Later that day, the said body was identified as Salaam. Khalada, his mother, told USA Today Sports on Tuesday that police said they suspect it’s a suicide after finding a note.

“They said they found a note and would share that with us when we get there,” Khalada said. A report from the county sheriff’s office indicated there was no suspicion of foul play.

“It’s just a big trip. That’s all I can say,” Salaam’s mother said. “We just found out this morning, and we’re going to Colorado to take care of him,” she added. She also revealed that the family has decided to bury him in Boulder because he liked the place, became successful there and got along well with the people who were residing there. 

Salaam’s last post on Facebook was dated Nov. 27, 2016. It includes a video of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick singing the song "That’s what friends are for," which he noted that he was feeling joyful and told people to keep smiling. Underneath the post, his fans and followers have expressed their condolences.

The Chicago Bears picked Salaam in the first round of the 1995 draft. He was considered the youngest NFL player ever to rush for 1,000 yards. Salaam played for the University of Colorado and won the Heisman Trophy in 1994.

"The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today," Colorado athletic director Rick George said Tuesday. "We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time," he added.