Rashaan Salaam
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| Rashaan Salaam | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Date of birth | October 8, 1974 |
| Place of birth |  La Jolla, California |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| College | Colorado |
| NFL Draft | 1995 / Round 1/ Pick 21 |
| Career Highlights | |
| Awards | 1994 Heisman Trophy |
| Stats | |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1995-1997 1999 1999 2001 2003 |
Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Green Bay Packers Memphis Maniax (XFL) San Francisco 49ers |
Rashaan Iman Salaam (born October 8, 1974 in La Jolla, California) is a former professional American football player. Salaam won the 1994 Heisman Trophy as a running back for the University of Colorado. Salaam is the fourth major college football player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. A high school All-American running back from San Diego (La Jolla Country Day), Salaam's success at Colorado led to his selection as the Chicago Bears’ first-round draft pick in the 1995 NFL Draft.
[edit] High School
Salaam attended the La Jolla Country Day School, where he played 8-man football and ran for over 100 yards in every game except for one. He was held under 100 yards against Christian High School, in an 11 man game. His team still won the game 16-13.
[edit] Pro Football career
In the NFL, the highly touted Salaam did not meet the high expectations. As a rookie, he rushed for over 1,000 yards (a Chicago Bears rookie record) and scored 10 touchdowns. But problems with injuries and fumbles led him to spend only three years with the Bears, ending with the 1997 season. Salaam spent 1999 with the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers, but only played in two games.
Salaam briefly played in the ill-fated XFL for the Memphis Maniax, but injury cut his season short and the league folded after one season. Still, he was the 4th most prolific rusher in the league with 528 yards.
After his stint with the Maniax, he tried out for the Detroit Lions. However, he did not make the squad.
Salaam launched what appeared to be a final attempt at an NFL career in 2002, beginning with a much publicized training at the Cris Carter Speed School. He was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 but in August 2003, Salaam was subsequently let go by the 49ers in the second-to-last round of cuts. Despite receiving accolades from then 49ers head coach Dennis Erickson, Salaam was never signed by another NFL team.
Salaam was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL on February 20, 2004. He was then suspended by the Argos in May.
[edit] Other Appearances
Salaam did appear at the 2005 Heisman trophy presentation and the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California.
| Preceded by Charlie Ward |
Heisman Trophy Winner 1994 |
Succeeded by Eddie George |
| Preceded by John Thierry |
Bears 1st round draft pick 1995 |
Succeeded by Walt Harris |
