Salaam, Bieniemy, Westbrook on 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

A trio of former Colorado Buffaloes were among those on the 2020 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame as announced on Monday. It was no surprise Eric Bieniemy, Rashaan Salaam, and Michael Westbrook made the initial cut for a second consecutive year.

Bieniemy played in back-to-back national championship appearances for CU and helped lead the Buffs to a 10-9 win in the 1990 Orange Bowl over top-ranked Notre Dame, claiming a share of the title with Georgia Tech. He was named a unanimous First Team All-American, finished third in 1990 Heisman voting and still holds eight CU records. Bieniemy currently serves as offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Another rusher whose legacy lives on is the late Rashaan Salaam. The 1994 Heisman Trophy winner was also a unanimous First Team All-American and Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year who led nation in rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards. Salaam was also the youngest player in NFL history to rush for a 1,000 yards in the season for the Chicago Bears in 1995.

Salaam’s teammate Michael Westbrook hopes to become Colorado’s first wide receiver to make history in Atlanta. The 1994 First Team All-American was a primary go-to option, leading the Buffs to four top 20 finishes and four straight bowl berths during his time in Boulder. He’s most famously known for connecting with Kordell Stewart to beat Michigan on a last-second 64-yard Hail Mary in 1994’s “Miracle at Michigan.”

How rare is it to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame? A whooping 0.02 percent of players and coaches are enshrined. Eight former Buffaloes are currently in the Hall — Byron “Whizzer” White, Joe Romig, Dick Anderson, Bobby Anderson, Alfred Williams, John Wooten, coach Bill McCartney and Herb Orvis.

The 2020 College Football Hall of Fame class will be announced in early next year in the days leading up to the National Championship on Jan. 13 in New Orleans.