CU community, friends, others remember Buffaloes great Salaam

A shocked and stunned University of Colorado community, along with friends, teammates and many others, mourned the death of Buffaloes great and 1994 Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam on Tuesday.

Salaam, 42, was found in a Boulder-area park, and police are investigating the death but do not suspect foul play.

Here’s what people who knew the Buffs legend had to say:

Adam Schefter on with “C.J. and Stokley”

CU athletic director Rick George via a university news release

“The Buff Family has lost an outstanding young man and a great Buff today. We are heartbroken for Rashaan and his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.”

Troy Renck on with “C.J. and Stokley”

Former Buffs and Broncos offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus

Wow, just landed in DC and learned about Rashaan Salaam. Devastated. You never know. Just never know

— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) December 6, 2016

Statement from Broncos director of player personnel and CU alum Matt Russell

“Rashaan was as dynamic off the field as he was on the field as a player. He was a fiercely loyal friend, someone who was always in your corner and had your back. He was the ultimate teammate and supportive of everyone in his locker room. If there was ever a guy who was going to get a personal foul for protecting someone on his team, Rashaan was that guy.

“Rashaan was the ultimate Buffalo and was so proud to be called a ‘Colorado Buffalo.’ We were part of the same recruiting class, what we called ‘nine deuce,’ the Class of 1992. On the field, Rashaan was the definition of a winner. It was important to him. He practiced hard, he played hard and he made our teams better. Rashaan and I laughed a lot after practices because we had so many battles and fights. Even when we last saw each other a few years ago at the CU Hall of Fame induction, we still shared those great memories and had a lot of laughs from our time together at Colorado.

“My heart goes out to Rashaan’s mother and his family. They have a lot to be proud of with the person that Rashaan was, the way he treated people and the friend he was to everyone he came across. He will be missed by so many, and I extend my deepest sympathies to Rashaan’s many friends and family.”

Former Buffs wide receiver and current co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini

Prayers for the Salaam family. Watching Rashaan play from my house in Corona California made me want to be a Buffalo! RIP to a great Buff!!!

— Darrin Chiaverini (@CoachChev6) December 6, 2016

CU alum and ESPN analyst Chris Fowler via a university news release

“Like all Buffs everywhere, I am filled with sadness at the news of Rashaan’s passing. The night in December, 1994, when Rashaan was presented the Heisman Trophy, is certainly one of CU’s finest moments ever. He was a deeply proud and loyal Buff and Heisman fraternity brother. Being there to share in his joy as the host of that program for the very first time will always remain a cherished memory. I will miss those hugs and his big smiles. And I will always think of Rashaan, dressed in black and gold, charging down the sideline on the way to his 2000 yards.”

I am stunned and sick with grief at Rashaan Salaam’s passing. A great and loyal Buff. Be at peace, my friend. https://t.co/FquZF3M97u

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 6, 2016

Drew Goodman on with “C.J. and Stokley”

CU Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano via a university news release

“This is a sad day for the entire university community as we mourn Rashaan’s death. Rashaan will be remembered as one of the greatest football players to ever wear a Buffs uniform, and his 1994 Heisman Trophy brought great prestige and honor to the university. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Former Buffs linebacker Chad Brown

Beyond saddened to hear the news about my @cubuffs teammate and friend Rashaan Salaam. We lost a true Buffalo today.

— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) December 6, 2016

Sports cartoonist Drew Litton

RIP Rashaan Salaam. pic.twitter.com/5XJw6Fkp20

— Drew Litton (@DrewLitton) December 6, 2016

NFL running back and fellow Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George

My Heart is saddened to hear of the passing of my Heisman Brother Rashaan Salaam, May he Rest In… https://t.co/zsWpMMYom5

— Eddie George (@EddieGeorge2727) December 6, 2016

Hall of Fame defensive lineman Warren Sapp

Can’t believe the news that my G, Rashaan Salaam is Gone.

— Warren Sapp (@WarrenSapp) December 6, 2016

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.