Myers, Salaam Boast Schools' Chances In Rocky Mountain Showdown

DENVER (CBS4) - Ahead of Friday's Rocky Mountain Showdown, two stars of Colorado's college football heyday engaged in some friendly ribbing during Xfinity Monday Live on CBS4.

Greg Myers, a CSU safety from 1992 to 1995, and Rashaan Salaam, a CU running back from 1992 to 1994, talked about the schools' rivalry and where their alma maters' programs are headed.

Colorado and Colorado State have squared off every year since 1995. The Buffaloes lead 13-6 over that time span and own the series 62-21-2 overall.

"It means a lot to Colorado as a whole. You look at (CSU) way back when, CU used to beat up on CSU. When you look at the last 12 years, it's been getting close. It's become quite a bit of a rivalry. Playing CU was huge, even back when I played," Myers said.

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Myers, whose first collegiate game was against CU, said the Rams are becoming more competitive in the series.

Not so fast, Salaam said.

"They haven't caught up yet," the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner said. "I think CU is still the powerhouse of Colorado."

But he said it's a great game for both schools: "I love how the fans come out. I love the energy that everybody brings to it. It's a battle for Colorado."

Myers echoed that: "I think it's great. CSU has learned from that. Coach (Jim) McElwain up there is bringing that excitement. I see some great things in the future for football."

The school's coaches help, they said. McElwain is in his third year as the Rams' coach and led CSU to a bowl victory last season.

"I think he's an incredible coach, incredible person," Myers said. "He's teaching the right fundamentals, and creating the atmosphere for learning and playing football. I only see good things coming out of it."

LINK: RockyMountainShowdown.com

Salaam doled out high praise for CU coach Mike MacIntyre, who's in his second season with the Buffaloes: "He's very disciplined. He knows how to be hard on them, knows how to be soft on them. He's really going to help turn this program around."

Myers and Salaam each played in five seasons in the pros before seeing their NFL careers cut short due to injuries. Myers said he figured it was time, and he wanted to go to medical school. He's now an anesthesiologist. Salaam is back in Colorado, working on a foundation that supports people in need.

"I had injuries," Salaam said, adding: "When I got to the pros, I was very immature. I wasn't a professional. I was 20 years old. So I was very young. All that stuff caught up to me."

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See more video with Myers and Salaam in the Xfinity Monday Live section.