December 11th 2024.
When asked about the possibility of Travis Hunter winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy, Khalada Salaam-Alaji, mother of the late CU Buffs icon Rashaan Salaam, responded with enthusiasm. "He would love that," she said on Tuesday. "These young men, who weren't even born when he was playing football - he would be thrilled to be a part of something like that. I know Rashaan would really love this. I hope it happens. It's amazing."
Despite being 2,700 miles away in San Diego, Salaam-Alaji will be rooting for Hunter to become the second CU player to win the Heisman, following in her son's footsteps. "He's in Colorado," she said, referring to Rashaan's final resting place in Boulder. "His spirit is there. He would want something good to happen in Boulder."
Salaam-Alaji continues to honor her son's legacy and memory through The Rashaan Salaam Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, adolescents, young adults, and athletes navigate through the challenges of society. Recently, the foundation held a fundraiser in Atlanta to celebrate Rashaan's 50th birthday. "We want to use all the recognition and attention we've received since Rashaan's passing to do something positive," Salaam-Alaji explained. "We want the foundation to be a lasting legacy, even after I'm gone."
Rashaan took his own life in 2016, leaving behind a lasting impact on the CU community and beyond. "It's still difficult for me," Salaam-Alaji said. "But I find comfort in knowing that Rashaan's legacy lives on through the foundation and the lives he touched."
For many CU fans, Rashaan's memory still shines bright. His talent and accomplishments on the football field are still celebrated, even 30 years after his Heisman victory. "The minute he arrived in Broomfield, Deion Sanders put CU back on the national map," Salaam-Alaji recalled. "If you weren't a fan of the Buffs before, you were after that."
For those who may not have had the chance to witness Rashaan's talent firsthand, Salaam-Alaji encourages them to watch highlights on YouTube or Google. "Watch him juke defenders, fly through the air, and break tackles," she said with pride. "He was a complete package, a powerful runner with the grace of a dancer."
Despite his success, Rashaan always remained humble and selfless, as seen in his iconic block that helped his teammate, Kordell Stewart, throw the "Miracle at Michigan" pass to Michael Westbrook. "He was a bashful giant," Salaam-Alaji described. "He always put the team first."
When asked what advice she would give to young players like Travis Hunter, Salaam-Alaji said, "Don't be afraid, enjoy the moment. Take care of yourself and your finances. And most importantly, stay connected to the God within you. In the long run, that's what matters most."
Although Rashaan's relationship with the Heisman became complicated over the years, Salaam-Alaji believes he would still be proud and supportive of Hunter's potential win. "He would be nothing but encouraging and proud," she said. "That's who Rashaan was."
As the Heisman ceremony approaches, Salaam-Alaji remembers her son's final years and his decision to sell his Heisman ring and statue. "He wanted to move on," she explained. "But even in his passing, Rashaan continues to make an impact through CTE-related medical research."
But even through the tragedy, there is a silver lining. Warren Sapp, a former Miami Hurricane and Rashaan's teammate at the Heisman ceremony, is now a member of the CU football family as a senior quality control analyst on Deion Sanders' coaching staff. "It's amazing how history can bring things together," Salaam-Alaji said with a smile. "Rashaan would love it."
For more information on The Rashaan Salaam Foundation or to donate, visit rashaansalaamfoundation.org. And for all the latest sports news, sign up for the Sports Omelette to get analysis on Denver's teams.
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