'One Of The Best': Broadcaster Remembers Rashaan Salaam
By Jeff Todd
DENVER (CBS4)- Inside broadcaster Larry Zimmer's office there's memorabilia stretching across his legendary broadcasting career, but there are only two players hanging on the wall. John Elway and Rashaan Salaam.
"He certainly ranks there as one of the best," Zimmer said.
Zimmer found out Tuesday in the early afternoon that 42-year-old Rashaan Salaam had taken his own life in a park along Boulder Creek. Police in Boulder confirm a gun and note were found near his body.
"I was not only saddened but I was in a state of shock," Zimmer said. "It's really hard to imagine and I still haven't come to grips with it."
Zimmer retired from calling University of Colorado games for KOA Newsradio last season after 42 years. Over that time, he says he's met phenomenal players and phenomenal men, but only a few who were both. Salaam was both.
"A lot of good memories personally. The times we had together," Zimmer said.
Salaam came and visited Zimmer while he was in rehab a few years ago. They talked about Salaam's work with at-risk kids through his foundation.
They also reminisced about the unforgettable plays, like Salaam's block to allow "the catch" to happen, and when he ran for a touchdown to break the 2,000-yard barrier and cement his claim to the Heisman Trophy.
Salaam played for the University of Colorado from 1992 to 1994.
In his junior year, when he won the Heisman, Salaam ran for a school-record 2,055 yards, becoming only the fourth college back to go for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
He also had 25 touchdowns, helping the Buffs to an 11-1 record, which was good for a No. 3 finish in the AP Poll.
"He's the only Heisman trophy winner we've ever had in the state," Zimmer said about Salaam, so far, being left out of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
"I'll definitely remember the person, and the guy who took time to see me," he said.
Salaam was drafted in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, where he played from 1995 to 1997 and became the youngest player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards.
Throughout his career, Salaam also played for the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Jeff Todd joined the CBS4 team in 2011 covering the Western Slope in the Mountain Newsroom. Since 2015 he's been working across the Front Range in the Denver Headquarters. Follow him on Twitter @CBS4Jeff.
