Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner, was found dead in a Boulder, Colo., park on Monday, his alma mater, University of Colorado, announced Tuesday.
It's unclear how Salaam, 42, died; an autopsy is pending, per KUSA-TV. Boulder Police said no signs of foul play were apparent.
Salaam produced one of the greatest seasons in NCAA history when he rushed for 2,055 yards in 1994, becoming just the fourth player to eclipse the 2,000-yard plateau. He won the Heisman by 248 votes.
"He was very coachable," said Bill McCartney, who coached the 1994 Buffaloes team Salaam led to a No. 3 ranking and a win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. "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."
The running back was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round. His NFL career spanned just 33 games.
