Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy Reinstated by Heisman Trust

In a monumental decision, the Heisman Trust has officially reinstated Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy, marking the reversal of the forfeiture that occurred in 2010 due to NCAA sanctions related to improper benefits received by Bush during his time with the USC Trojans.

Michael Comerford, the president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, expressed joy in welcoming Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family, citing a reassessment of collegiate athletics with emphasis on recent changes that allow student athletes to receive compensation for their talents and image rights.

Bush, who accumulated a remarkable 2,218 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2005 season, reciprocated the excitement in being reunited with his fellow Heisman winners and expressed eagerness to contribute to the values and mission of the Heisman Trust.

The Trust stated that their decision was a result of a meticulous evaluation of the evolving landscape of college football, highlighting pivotal events such as the 2021 Supreme Court decision challenging the NCAA’s amateurism model and significant developments in the realm of student athlete compensation.

Reggie Bush’s reinstated trophy now places USC at the forefront with eight Heisman Trophies, surpassing traditional powerhouses like Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, all of which have seven each.

Legends of the game, including Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart, and Tim Brown, among others, have openly supported Bush’s campaign to reclaim his Heisman, with Manziel extending gratitude to the Heisman Trust for rectifying what he considers to be the righting of a historical misstep.

The decision to return Bush’s Heisman not only represents a significant personal milestone for the former NFL star but also symbolizes a shift in the collegiate sports paradigm towards fairer treatment and compensation for student athletes.