Reggie Bush finally got back what he rightfully earned.
The 2005 Heisman Trophy was officially reinstated to the two-time All-American running back, the Heisman Trophy Trust announced on Wednesday.
The reinstatement occurred 14 years after Bush voluntarily forfeited the award in September 2010, following an NCAA investigation that concluded the star running back had accepted improper benefits near the end of the 2004 USC football season.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back into the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” Michael Comerford, the president of the Heisman Trust said in a statement. “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.”
While it will be a day for all Trojans to celebrate, the path to victory was not an easy fight for Bush. Bush’s campaign to have his Heisman reinstated began in 2021 after the Supreme Court ruled that it was legal for college athletes to be compensated for their Name, Image and Likeness. He condemned the Heisman Trust in a statement in July 2021 for its decision not to reinstate him sooner, after the Trust would only agree to reinstate his trophy if the NCAA agreed to reinstate all his vacated records and accomplishments. Despite the Heisman Trust’s decision, the NCAA has not announced any plans to reinstate any of Bush’s vacated USC records or statistics.
However, under pressure from fellow Heisman winners, including 2012 Heisman recipient Johnny Manziel, among other supporters of Bush’s campaign, the Trust ultimately decided to return the Trophy to Bush.
“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,” Bush said to ESPN in a statement. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
The decision was warmly welcomed by USC President Carol Folt, athletic director Jen Cohen and head coach Lincoln Riley, all of whom issued statements following the Heisman Trust’s reversal, with Riley calling the occasion a “historic day.”
“Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman Family is a special moment for every person that has been associated with USC football,” Riley said. “We are thrilled that Reggie’s athletic accomplishments as one of the greatest to ever play the game can officially be recognized. For a long time, the Heisman and USC have been synonymous and being able to acknowledge all eight of our winners is extraordinary.”
With his Heisman now reinstated, USC once again officially has the most Heisman Trophy winners of any school with eight. Bush is now also welcome back at the annual Heisman Trophy Ceremony each fall, where many expect him to be in attendance for the 90th ceremony in December.