Professional Career
The Chicago Bears selected Salaam in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft, and he played for the Bears from 1995 to 1997. As a rookie, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. But problems with injuries, fumbles, and marijuana use led him to spend only three years with the Bears. Salaam spent 1999 with the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers, but only played in two games for the Browns that year.
Salaam briefly played in the XFL for the Memphis Maniax, but injury cut his season short and the league folded after one season. He was the fourth-most prolific rusher in the league with 528 yards. After his stint with the Maniax, he tried out for the NFL's Detroit Lions, but did not make the team.
Salaam launched what appeared to be a final attempt at an NFL career in 2002, beginning with a much publicized training at the Cris Carter Speed School. He was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 but in August 2003, Salaam was subsequently let go by the 49ers in the second-to-last round of cuts. Despite receiving accolades from then 49ers head coach Dennis Erickson, Salaam was never signed by another NFL team.
Salaam was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on February 20, 2004. He was then suspended by the Argos in May, effectively ending his career.
Read more about this topic: Rashaan Salaam
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