NEW ORLEANS — Former Saints running back Reggie Bush will be getting his Heisman Trophy back, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday morning.
Bush won the Heisman in 2005 with a season that included 1,740 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns along with 37 passes caught for 478 yards and two scores as USC made it to the College Bowl Championship before losing to Texas in one of the greatest games in history.
Bush had the award taken from him after an investigation determined he received "impermissible payments" while playing ball at USC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, President of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”
Players are now allowed to receive compensation for use of their name, image or likeness during their college career.
“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” said Bush. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
As part of the announcement, the Heisman Trust has returned the Trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, starting with the 90th Heisman Trophy ceremony this fall.
Bush was part of the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl winning team during the 2009 season.
Bush played in 60 games for the Saints with 2,090 yards rushing and 2,142 yards receiving and 29 touchdowns. He also returned several punts for touchdowns and was a dynamic player with the team that reached two NFC Championship games during his career here.
Bush famously carried a baseball bat onto the field during the 2009 postseason which was a symbol of the team's resolve as it eventually won the 2010 Super Bowl.
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