December 2024 marks 30 years since Rashaan Salaam won the historic Heisman Trophy in 1994. As Colorado’s only Heisman recipient, Salaam’s legacy continues to motivate, especially as current two-way star Travis Hunter attempts to make the second Heisman in the university’s history.
Rashaan Salaam’s 1994 season was a legendary one. He rushed for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns and took the Buffaloes to an 11-1 record that ranked them No. 3 nationally. In his humility, he had nothing but to praise his teammates for the success that marked him.
But beneath that smile was a silent war. In December 2016, he died by suicide when he was 42. After his death, Rashaan Salaam’s family revealed symptoms that showed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy-CTE, a form of brain disease related to head injuries in football.
Shelley Martin, the girlfriend of Rashaan Salaam when he died, also does so. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him,” she said. Martin hopes renewed interest in Colorado’s Heisman history might shine light also on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The current standout from Colorado, Travis Hunter, reflects the humility and team-first attitude that Rashaan Salaam showed. If he wins the Heisman this weekend, it will be a group victory for the university as a whole, in the same way Salaam would have wanted.
The Rashaan Salaam Foundation has been created by his family to advance mental health support for young athletes. According to his mother, Khaleda, Rashaan Salaam’s memory must be kept alive with positive efforts.
As Colorado fans celebrate Hunter’s success, they also reflect on Salaam’s lasting impact. His 1994 season is the benchmark for greatness and reminds the world of his extraordinary talent and the importance of addressing mental health challenges in sports.
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