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Reggie Bush was an absolutely electrifying college football star for the USC Trojans, but due to accepting benefits while he was in school, he was later stripped of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005.
Now, the dynamic tailback who also enjoyed a lengthy NFL career is pushing back in the wake of the NCAA’s decision to allow its athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness.
Per veteran sports reporter Arash Markazi, Bush released a statement about his efforts to recover his Heisman and the statistical records that were vacated.
This came on the heels of a tweet Bush sent out late Wednesday night about the NIL situation:
Due to his greatness on the gridiron for such an iconic program, Bush brought millions of dollars to his school, but wasn’t allowed to see any of that money. After many years, the NCAA finally saw that there might be something wrong with this.
Although it’s nice to see at least an interim NIL policy for now, it doesn’t change the fact that USC’s dynastic dominance during the era led by Bush and head coach Pete Carroll isn’t officially recognized as it should be.
Reggie Bush stats from Heisman Trophy-winning season
- 1,740 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns; 37 receptions, 478 yards, two TDs.
Bush’s junior campaign was when he was at the peak of his powers. He was an absolute burner with top-end speed to score from anywhere on the field. His lateral quickness, agility and uncommon vision helped him make defenders look silly.
Because he was such a threat in the open field, the Trojans did whatever they could to get him the ball in space. That made him an absolutely devastating pass-catcher out of the backfield who defenses had no answer for.
Although the NFL ultimately allowed Bush to earn a huge payday as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft and beyond that, he could’ve secured his financial future even sooner. After all, there was no guarantee he’d stay healthy enough to maximize his professional earnings, especially at such a high-contact position as running back.
Football world calls for Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy to be reinstated
It isn’t just Bush making this play for himself. There are plenty of media personalities and fellow athletes alike who support the reinstatement of his Heisman.
Check out the reaction on social media from those who are backing Bush:
The fact that Reggie Bush attracted so much attention and held such star power in college despite not being a quarterback tells you all you need to know about his legacy, which unfortunately has a huge shadow cast over it as of now.
If there’s anyone who deserves to be held in higher regard in the aftermath of NIL approval, it’s Bush.
