Career Timeline of Reggie Bush: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Reggie Bush made an impact.

Reggie Bush is a former American football running back, renowned for his exceptional college career at USC, where he won the 2005 Heisman Trophy. Drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, he contributed to their Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010 and earned All-Pro honors as a punt returner in 2008. Bush also played for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2017. Post-retirement, he worked as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Freshman All-American

In 2003, Reggie Bush attended the University of Southern California, played for the Trojans, and was a consensus first-team Freshman All-American selection. He also set a USC freshman record with 1,331 all-purpose yards.

November 19, 2005: Pac-10 Record for All-Purpose Yards

On November 19, 2005, Reggie Bush set the Pac-10 record for all-purpose yards in a game with 513 against the Fresno State Bulldogs.

2005: Alex Smith NFL Draft

In 2005, Alex Smith, who played with Reggie Bush at Helix High School, was the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

2005: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2005, Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy and earned consensus All-American honors while playing college football for the USC Trojans, solidifying his status as one of the greatest college football players of all time.

January 12, 2006: Bush Declares for NFL Draft

On January 12, 2006, Reggie Bush decided to enter the NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year at USC, making himself available to professional teams.

April 26, 2006: Bush Signs Endorsement Deal with Adidas

On April 26, 2006, Reggie Bush signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Adidas to promote football and training clothes, and to help the athletic sportswear company launch cleats in 2007.

May 15, 2006: Bush Donates to Holy Rosary High School

On May 15, 2006, Reggie Bush donated US$50,000 to Holy Rosary High School, a Catholic school for students with learning disabilities, to prevent it from closing.

May 23, 2006: NFL Rejects Bush's Jersey Number Request

On May 23, 2006, the NFL competition committee officially rejected Reggie Bush's request to wear the number 5 jersey. On May 25, it was officially announced that Bush would be wearing number 25, acquired from Saints running back Fred McAfee.

November 12, 2006: Bush Scores First NFL Touchdown

On November 12, 2006, Reggie Bush scored his first NFL touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2006: Drafted by New Orleans Saints

In 2006, Reggie Bush was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the second overall pick in the NFL draft, marking the start of his professional football career.

January 13, 2007: Saints advance to NFC Championship Game

On January 13, 2007, Reggie Bush contributed to the New Orleans Saints' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, helping them advance to their first NFC Championship Game in the team's 40-year history.

August 2007: Sirius Satellite Radio Deal

In August 2007, Reggie Bush signed a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio to be a weekly announcer for the 2007 season.

2008: Named All-Pro Punt Returner

In 2008, Reggie Bush was named an All-Pro punt returner, showcasing his exceptional skills and contribution to the New Orleans Saints.

January 16, 2010: Bush's standout performance against Arizona Cardinals

On January 16, 2010, Reggie Bush had a standout performance in the NFC divisional playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 84 yards and including a 46-yard touchdown run. He also added an 83-yard punt return touchdown.

February 7, 2010: Bush Wins Super Bowl

On February 7, 2010, Reggie Bush won his first Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

2010: Won Super Bowl XLIV

In 2010, Reggie Bush helped the New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, a significant triumph in his NFL career.

2010: VH1 Do Something Awards Nomination

In 2010, Reggie Bush was nominated for the VH1 Do Something Awards for his fundraising work benefiting Haiti and diamond-producing countries in Africa, specifically through his involvement with the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

July 28, 2011: Bush Traded to Miami Dolphins

On July 28, 2011, Reggie Bush was traded by the New Orleans Saints to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for reserve safety Jonathon Amaya and a swap of sixth-round draft picks.

March 13, 2013: Bush signed with the Detroit Lions

On March 13, 2013, Reggie Bush signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Detroit Lions, including $4 million guaranteed. The Lions planned to utilize Bush as a "three-down back."

2014: Decline in production

In the 2014 season, Reggie Bush experienced a decline in production compared to the previous year, while Joique Bell's performance increased. Bush finished the 2014 season with 297 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He had an 18-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter in the Wild Card Round game against the Dallas Cowboys.

February 25, 2015: Release from the Lions

On February 25, 2015, Reggie Bush was released by the Detroit Lions after two seasons with the team.

March 18, 2015: Bush signed with the San Francisco 49ers

On March 18, 2015, Reggie Bush signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, with $500,000 guaranteed and a $500,000 signing bonus.

August 1, 2016: Bush signed with the Buffalo Bills

On August 1, 2016, Reggie Bush signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, joining a backfield that already included LeSean McCoy and Mike Gillislee.