Reggie Bush is one of the greatest running backs in college football history. From the famous “Bush Push” to Bush winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy, only two other former USC running backs in history in the history of the program in that of O.J. Simpson and Marcus Allen compare to him.
The former No. 2 overall pick of the New Orleans Saints is now finally getting that piece of hardware back eons after it was stripped from him.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Bush will officially receive his Heisman back with a formal “reinstatement” on Wednesday. The Heisman Trust indicated, per Thamel, that “enormous changes in the college football landscape” played a major role in its decision-making process.
Ya think? At a time when top-end college athletes are getting paid millions in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), Bush’s story has resurfaced as a cautionary tale of doublestandards. That was magnified when the Heisman’s official X account paid tribute to accused and acquitted double murderer O.J. Simpson following his death earlier in April.
Related: Heisman Trophy Blasted For Honoring O.J. Simpson After Stripping Reggie Bush Of Award
Reggie Bush Excited To Be Back In The Heisman Trophy Fraternity
“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family. I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
Reggie Bush on being given Heisman Trophy back
It was 14 years ago that Bush had to give up college football’s most prestigious award after his involvement in a major scandal that rocked the USC Trojans under then-head coach Pete Carroll. Sanctions included USC being vacated of the 2004 National Championship and stripping the Trojans of 14 wins in which Bush played.
On the field, Bush was as dominant as they come. During his Heisman-winning 2005 season, Bush accounted for 2,890 all-purpose yards. He’s now back in a fraternity that includes two outspoken supporters of the former running back in that of fellow Heisman winner Johnny Manziel and Tim Brown. In fact, Manziel had in the past threatened to skip the Heisman ceremonies moving forward if Bush’s trophy was not returned.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”