A Triumphant Return: Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy Restored
Reggie Bush, the legendary running back for the University of Southern California Trojans, will once again hold the prestigious Heisman Trophy in his hands. According to multiple sources, the Heisman Trust has decided to formally “reinstate” the trophy, which was originally forfeited in 2010 due to sanctions imposed on USC.
A Decade-Long Campaign
Since 2021, Bush has actively campaigned for the return of his Heisman, aligning with the NCAA’s new policy allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
The reinstatement is the result of “enormous changes in the college football landscape,” says Pete Thamel, ESPN College Football Senior Writer. He further reports that the Heisman Trust “is returning the Heisman Trophy to Bush and a replica to USC.”
Bush will now be a welcomed guest at all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, starting with the 2024 season.
USC’s Legacy Bolstered
This momentous decision adds another chapter to the storied legacy of USC’s football program. With Bush’s Heisman Trophy, the Trojans now officially hold eight Heisman winners, surpassing Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame’s seven winners.
A Record-Breaking Season
During his Heisman-winning season in 2005, Bush showcased his unparalleled talent, rushing for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging an astonishing 8.7 yards per carry. His exceptional performance earned him unanimous first-team All-American honors and the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year award.
Post-College Success
After graduating from USC, Bush embarked on a 10-year NFL career, where he played for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills. Bush retired in 2017 after leaving an indelible mark on the NFL.
In recent years, Bush has shared his knowledge of the game as an on-air college football analyst for Fox Sports from 2019 to 2023.
Joy and Appreciation
In a statement to ESPN, Bush expressed his delight at having his Heisman Trophy reinstated. He said he is “thrilled” to reunite with his fellow Heisman winners and looks forward to working with the Heisman Trust to promote the organization’s values and mission.
Fellow Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, a vocal advocate for Bush’s reinstatement, took to Twitter to applaud the decision, stating that he would have boycotted the Heisman Trophy ceremony if Bush’s trophy had not been returned. After the announcement, Manziel thanked the Heisman Trust for “doing what’s right” and welcoming “a storied member of our history back into the fold.
The reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy not only restores a lost piece of history but also serves as a testament to the power of redemption and the evolving landscape of college athletics.
