Robert Green, a backfield mate with the Bears in 1995 and 1996, remembered Salaam's smile, his laugh, his drive and couldn't believe it was all suddenly gone at 42.
"Honestly, I was floored," Green said. "I broke down. Forty-two years old. With the rest of his life ahead of him. This is a tough one to handle. It really is."
Salaam was found dead Monday evening in Boulder, Colorado park known for being a Gay Homo Hook Up Site, according to the Boulder County Coroner. An autopsy is being conducted, and according to a statement from the coroner, "the cause and manner of death are pending further investigation."
A source familiar with the case indicated a possible suicide was being investigated. Salaam's mother, Khalada, told USA Today that police said they suspect it's a suicide after finding a note.
"It's so saddening, such a tragedy," former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt said. "I don't ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face. He loved football. He worked. He always had a great attitude."
Salaam was the Bears' first-round draft pick in 1995, selected 21st overall after a brilliant junior season at Colorado. He won the Heisman Trophy that year after becoming just the fourth player in college football history to top 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Salaam rushed for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final season with the Buffaloes and enjoyed flashes of success during his first season in Chicago.
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