Reggie Bush will regain his 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy, which he had to surrender in 2010. A press release on Heisman.com announced the decision by the Heisman Trust to restore Bush’s award.
This move came after a thorough review process during which the Trust observed the significant shifts in college football.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said in a statement.
In a post on Instagram, Bush wrote,
“No one can take from you what God has for you,” along with a picture of his Heisman Trophy.
Bush clinched the Heisman in 2005, amassing 1,740 yards on 200 carries and notching 18 touchdowns for the University of Southern California.
In 2010, Bush voluntarily surrendered the prestigious award following an NCAA investigation that uncovered unauthorized benefits, including several thousand dollars and a vehicle, rendering him ineligible since 2004.
Now, college athletes can profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), per recent NCAA adjustments.
Despite this, the NCAA maintains restrictions on “pay-for-play” arrangements, and past penalties remain unchanged, as affirmed in a 2021 statement.
Bush, refuting allegations of receiving payment during his tenure at USC, has initiated legal action against the NCAA, alleging defamation.
“[The NCAA] had to be forced into this,” Bush told The Athletic in 2020 following the introduction of NIL.
“Unfortunately, in this country, we’re very reactive. We’re not proactive. Something had to happen first for people to want to change it or for people to see that there is an actual injustice there. Unfortunately, I feel like it had to come with me.
“There are certain steps and certain events that open people’s eyes and change people’s perspectives on things. I think that was one of them.
It was important for us to get here to where we are now. Hopefully, thousands and thousands of kids will benefit from this point going forward,” he added.
Bush will also be invited to future Heisman Trophy ceremonies and USC will receive a replica trophy.
“I am grateful to once again be recognized as the recipient of the Heisman Trophy,” Bush said in a statement released by his representatives.
“This reinstatement is not only a personal victory but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that I have always acted with integrity and in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA.
The allegations brought against me were unfounded and unsupported by evidence, and I am grateful that the truth is finally prevailing.”
Bush’s reinstatement solidifies USC’s position as the college football program with the most Heisman Trophy winners, boasting a total of eight.
Expressing gratitude, former NFL quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy recipient Johnny Manziel commended the Trust for its decision to rectify the situation and embrace a revered figure from the sport’s history.
“There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December @ReggieBush you deserve it” Manziel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
After his tenure at USC, Bush started an 11-season journey in the NFL, representing the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills.
Throughout his career, he amassed 5,490 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, along with 477 receptions for 3,598 yards and 18 TDs across 134 regular season games.
Notably, Bush contributed to the New Orleans Saints’ historic victory in Super Bowl XLIV, securing the franchise’s first Vince Lombardi trophy.