The University of Colorado will retire Rashaan Salaam's number 19 this season. The announcement came Friday, nearly 8 1/2 months after the former Buffaloes star running back died by suicide at the age of 42.
Salaam recorded one of the best seasons ever by a college running back in 1994 when he ran for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was named the Heisman Trophy winner that year. In his acceptance speech, Salaam thanked each member of the Buffaloes' offensive line individually.
"He was the epitome of a teammate,” said Tony Berti, CU's starting left tackle on that 11-1 1994 team. “He never wanted the spotlight on him. Even in his Heisman speech, he thanked the entire offensive line by name. It wasn’t about him winning the Heisman. He always said we won this. It was a team effort. That’s how he was."
The official retirement ceremony will take place Oct. 28 during the Buffaloes' homecoming game against California.
There have only been three jerseys retired in CU football's 127-history: quarterback/halfback Byron White's No. 24; guard/linebacker Joe Romig's No. 67; and quarterback/tailback Bobby Anderson's No. 11. Salaam's No. 19 will be the fourth jersey ever retired.
For more on Salaam, go here.
