Reggie Bush.
Unique Nicole/Getty Images for Change The GameReggie Bush will soon have his Heisman Trophy back in his possession.
“I am personally thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and it is an honor to return to the Heisman family,” Bush, 39, told ESPN on Wednesday. April 24, Statement. “I also look forward to working with the Heisman Trust to advance the organization’s values and mission.”
The Heisman Trust announced Wednesday that it will return the trophy to Bush and a replica to the University of Southern California. Bush will continue to be able to attend Heisman Trophy ceremonies in the future.
Awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player, the Heisman Trophy recognizes a student-athlete’s athletic ability, diligence, perseverance and hard work. Bush won the honor in 2005 while playing running back for USC.
Five years after the ceremony, Bush was accused of receiving improper benefits between 2003 and 2005 and participating in a university pay-for-play scheme. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) imposed significant sanctions on USC before Bush forfeited his trophy.
“One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true. But I know the Heisman does not belong to me alone,” Bush said in a statement at the time. “Far from it. I know my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the constant guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans and the unconditional love of my family and friends.”
Bush added: “And I know that every young man who is fortunate enough to win the Heisman comes into some kind of family. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each has their good name entrusted to them.”
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After years of claiming he had done nothing wrong — and after new rules were passed allowing college athletes to profit from their likeness — Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA in August 2023.
“Pay-for-play,” as the NCAA uses the term, refers to “initial enrollment and transfer incentives,” Bush’s lawyers wrote in court documents. “In this respect the statement is wrong. Mr. Bush was never offered money to run for USC. Mr. Bush never considered accepting such a proposal. Mr. Bush did not accept any money or benefits in return for enrolling and/or attending USC.”
The lawsuit has not been settled and the NCAA’s motion to dismiss hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 29.