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Former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush had his Heisman Trophy from the 2005 season officially reinstated this week.
On Thursday, April 25, Bush was seen lugging the trophy around LA Memorial Coliseum ahead of a press conference to address the reinstatement of his Heisman.
The Heisman Trust decided to give Bush his Heisman back due to what they called “enormous changes in the college football landscape” in recent years, obviously referencing NIL rules and the fact that college athletes are now allowed to earn money of their image, which is what Bush got in trouble for.
Reggie Bush has arrived at the Coliseum, carrying his 2005 Heisman Trophy. pic.twitter.com/YiIhgHoZg5
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) April 25, 2024
“It’s a full circle moment for me right now,” Bush said to the media during a press conference at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Thursday. “I can close my eyes and I can right away place myself on that football field in the No. 5 jersey.”
“You can’t get to this or a National Championship by cheating, I promise you,” he continued. “This trophy is not just a representation of me. It’s a representation of my teammates as well who helped me fight to get there.”
In addition to giving Bush his authentic Heisman Trophy back, the Trust has also given a replica to the university, and will now be inviting Bush to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.
Bush, now 39 years old, played at USC from 2003 to 2005 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest, and certainly one of the most exciting, college football players of all time.
During his career at USC, Bush carried the ball 433 times for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns while also catching 95 passes for 1,301 yards and 13 touchdowns.
After his decorated, national championship-winning college career at USC, Bush was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the #2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, where he’d win Super Bowl XLIV alongside Drew Brees.
Bush played in New Orleans until 2010 and would then go on to play for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.