Ex-Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam -- a superstar running back for the Colorado Buffaloes -- has died at age 42 ... his family confirmed.
Salaam won the Heisman in 1994 -- beating out guys like Steve McNair, Warren Sapp and Kerry Collins.
He was later drafted by the Bears in the 1st round of the 1995 Draft but only spent a few seasons in the NFL.
Salaam went on to run an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged kids.
This story was first reported by Adam Schefter.