Former Chicago Bear’s Heisman Trophy Sold For Record Amount

The Heisman Trophy won by a former Chicago Bear player was sold at auction for a record-breaking price.

Several years ago, I got the opportunity to meet Johnny Lattner and hold his Heisman Trophy. He won that honor while playing at the University of Notre Dame in 1953. Somewhere I have a picture of the occasion. I wish I knew where it was.

I always knew the Heisman Trophy was a big deal, but after seeing it in person it took the meaning to a new level. After that, I really knew it was something special.

Many times when former successful athletes put things like trophies, awards, or rings up for sale they are in some sort of financial trouble.

This time it was for a different reason. It was going to help a great cause.

Former Chicago Bear's running back, Rashaan Salaam, won the Heisman Trophy in 1994 for the University of Colorado. After being a first draft pick, Salaam's career didn't go well for the Chicago Bears. He didn't last long in NFL. His football life peaked in college.

Unfortunately, Rashaan suffered from CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) caused by head injuries from playing football. It caused him to take his own life in 2016.

His family decided to turn a bad into a good. Recently, they auctioned off his Heisman Trophy to benefit CTE research.

Their decision paid off.

According to Yahoo Sports,

"The Heisman Trophy won by Rashaan Salaam was sold for nearly $400,000 over the weekend, a record amount for a Heisman Trophy"

In comparison, O.J. Simpson's sold for $299,000 a few years ago.

I'm glad they could get something positive out of the tragedy.

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