Reggie Bush To Get Heisman Trophy Back After Forfeiting It

Former USC and NFL running back Reggie Bush is seeing the Heisman Trophy, which he won in 2005, returned to him. Julie Jacobson/AP/FILE

Reggie Bush is getting his 2005 Heisman Trophy back years after to forfeit the trophy.

The Heisman Trust announced on Wednesday the formal "reinstatement" of the trophy to Bush amid what it calls "enormous changes in the college football landscape”.

The Heisman Trust's decision comes after Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010 in the wake of significant NCAA sanctions for USC, which included Bush receiving improper benefits during his Trojans career that spanned from 2003 to 2005.

As part of the decision Wednesday, the Heisman Trust is returning the Heisman Trophy to Bush and a replica to USC. Bush will again be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, beginning in the 2024 season.

Reggie Bush's campaign to have his Heisman Trophy restored was ultimately successful, with the former USC running back saying he was "thrilled" to get the award back. Courtesy The Heisman Trophy Trust

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said in a statement.

In a post on Instagram, Bush wrote, “No one can take from you what God has for you,” along with a picture of his Heisman Trophy. Bush won the Heisman which is awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player. In 2005 he rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries and scored 18 total touchdowns for the University of Southern California.

In 2010, Bush voluntarily gave up the award after an NCAA investigation found he received benefits of several thousand dollars and a vehicle that were not allowed at the time and he was ruled ineligible as of 2004. Bush has said the NCAA defamed him and filed a lawsuit against the collegiate sports governing body. He has said he wasn’t paid to play football at USC.

Following three seasons with USC, Bush played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills.

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