Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. The Heisman Trust announced the decision on Wednesday, welcoming Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments.
Bush, who had won the trophy after an impressive 2005 season with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns, expressed his excitement at reuniting with his fellow Heisman winners and being part of the prestigious legacy of the Heisman Trophy. The USC football program also celebrated the return of the trophy, bringing their total Heisman winners to eight, the most of any school.
The Trust's decision to reinstate Bush followed a deliberative process that took into account significant changes in college athletics, including the evolving landscape of athlete compensation and the NCAA's recent moves towards allowing players to benefit from their name, image, and likeness.
Notable figures in college football, such as Johnny Manziel, Caleb Williams, Eric Crouch, and Robert Griffin III, praised the decision to return the trophy to Bush, highlighting his outstanding performance in 2005 and his positive impact on the sport.
Bush's Heisman award was vacated in 2010 due to NCAA sanctions against USC for violations related to improper benefits received by Bush and his family. The reinstatement now marks a significant moment in Bush's career and the history of the Heisman Trophy.
Despite the challenges he faced following the vacating of his award, Bush went on to have a successful NFL career, playing for five teams over 11 seasons. Last August, he filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, contesting a statement made in 2021 that he had a 'pay-for-play' arrangement, which he argued misrepresented his actions.
The decision to reinstate Reggie Bush as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner reflects a shift in the approach to athlete compensation in college sports and underscores the enduring legacy of one of college football's most talented players.
