The Prodigal Son Returns: Reggie Bush Gets His Heisman Trophy Back After 14 Years

Remember that electrifying 2005 season? Reggie Bush weaving through defenses, leaving them grasping at air as he led USC to a national championship shot? Well, that Heisman Trophy that capped off his phenomenal year is finally back in his hands.

Fourteen years after it was stripped away due to NCAA sanctions, the Heisman Trust has reinstated Bush as the 2005 winner.

This dramatic reversal comes as college athletics undergoes a seismic shift, with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules allowing players to profit from their talents.

Bush’s dominance back in 2005 was undeniable. He was a highlight reel in cleats, amassing a staggering 2,218 yards and 18 touchdowns. His Heisman win, with a record-breaking number of first-place votes, solidified his place as a college football legend.

But then came the bombshell. The NCAA discovered that Bush and his family had received improper benefits while he was a Trojan. The university faced harsh penalties, and Bush was forced to give up his Heisman, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth and a giant asterisk next to his accomplishments.

Fast forward to today. The Heisman Trust acknowledged the controversy but recognized that the college athletics landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation.

With NIL allowing players to cash in on their fame, the concept of pure amateurism no longer holds the same weight.

“The game has changed significantly,” a Heisman Trust representative declared. “We felt it was the right time to welcome Reggie back into the Heisman family.”

Bush, understandably ecstatic, called the reinstatement a “personal victory” and a tribute to his loyal supporters.

He’s also eager to reconnect with fellow Heisman winners and contribute to the organization.
The Heisman Trust has returned the original trophy to Bush, with a replica going to USC.

He’ll also be a fixture at future Heisman ceremonies. This decision marks a turning point for the Heisman Trophy, reflecting the evolving world of college athletics. And for Reggie Bush, it’s a long-awaited chance to reclaim his rightful place among the sport’s elite.