History of Reggie Bush in Timeline

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

1968: O.J. Simpson's Heisman Votes

In 1968, O. J. Simpson received 855 first-place Heisman votes, setting a record that Reggie Bush nearly surpassed in 2005.

1974: Led Pacific-10 Conference

In 2003, Reggie Bush became the first Trojan since Anthony Davis in 1974 to lead the Pacific-10 Conference in kickoff returns.

March 2, 1985: Reggie Bush Born

On March 2, 1985, Reginald Alfred Bush II was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future football star.

1985: Born in Spring Valley

In 1985, Reggie Bush was born in Spring Valley, San Diego County, California, named after his father, Reginald Sr.

2002: Track Star at Helix

In 2002, Reggie Bush placed second in the CIF California State Meet 100 meters final and was third fastest prep in California in the 200 meters, highlighting his athletic abilities beyond football.

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.

2003: Los Angeles Invitational Indoor Meet

In 2003, Reggie Bush placed second in the boys' 50 meters at the Los Angeles Invitational Indoor Meet, clocking in at 5.85 seconds.

2003: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2003, Reggie Bush played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, showcasing his talent as a high school football player.

2003: Rated No. 1 Running Back

In 2003, Reggie Bush was considered a five-star recruit and listed as the No. 1 running back in the nation by Rivals.com, highlighting his exceptional potential.

December 2004: Improper Benefits

The NCAA found that Reggie Bush received lavish gifts from Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels from at least December 2004 onward, leading to sanctions against USC.

2004: Heisman Trophy Finalist

In 2004, Reggie Bush was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy alongside Alex Smith, marking the first time the same high school had two finalists in the same ceremony. Bush finished fifth in the Heisman voting and was named the team's MVP.

2004: Improper Benefits Allegations

In 2004, allegations surfaced that Reggie Bush received improper benefits while at USC, leading to an NCAA investigation.

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.

December 10, 2005: Awarded the Heisman Trophy

On December 10, 2005, Reggie Bush was awarded the Heisman Trophy after amassing 2,611 all-purpose yards and scoring 18 touchdowns during the 2005 season.

2005: Vacated Wins

As a result of NCAA sanctions announced on June 10, 2010, USC was forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season and all of its wins in the 2005 season, due to Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits.

2005: Reinstatement Advocacy

Following changes to NIL rules on June 30, 2021, Reggie Bush began advocating for the reinstatement of his Heisman Trophy and USC records from 2005.

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.

2005: Forfeiture of Heisman Trophy

In September 2010, amidst reports, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his title as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.

January 4, 2006: Rose Bowl Game

On January 4, 2006, Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart became the first pair of Heisman Trophy winners to play together in a single game, facing the Longhorns in the Rose Bowl where Bush amassed 279 all-purpose yards.

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.

2006: Questions about Gifts

In 2006, reports emerged raising questions about whether Reggie Bush's family received gifts in violation of NCAA policies, leading to an investigation.

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.

February 2007: Appeared in Ciara's music video

In February 2007, Reggie Bush appeared as Ciara's love interest in the music video for her single, "Like a Boy".

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June 26, 2007: Beckham Ad Campaign Debut

On June 26, 2007, David Beckham's first major US television advertising campaign since joining the Los Angeles Galaxy debuted online. Titled "Futbol Meets Football", the campaign featured Beckham and Reggie Bush in a 12-part video series, with promotion by Adidas.

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.

November 2007: Lawsuit Filed by Lloyd Lake

In November 2007, Sports agent Lloyd Lake sued Reggie Bush and his family to recoup $291,600 in cash and gifts.

2007: Met Kim Kardashian

In 2007, Reggie Bush met Kim Kardashian at the ESPY Awards after Matt Leinart introduced them while Bush was at USC.

2007: BET Award Nomination

In 2007, Reggie Bush was nominated for Male Athlete of the Year at the BET Awards.

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 7, 2009: Bush Undergoes Knee Surgery

On January 7, 2009, it was confirmed that Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee and would require months of rehabilitation, with the expectation that he would be ready for minicamp in June.

April 2009: NCAA Investigation Merged

In April 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that the NCAA merged its investigations of Reggie Bush and former USC basketball player O. J. Mayo into a single probe of the Trojans athletic programs.

August 16, 2009: Bush Leaves Practice with Knee Problems

On August 16, 2009, Reggie Bush left practice due to continuing problems with his left knee, but returned later with his knee wrapped in an icepack as a precaution.

September 28, 2009: Reported reconciliation with Kim Kardashian

On September 28, 2009, Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian were reported to have gotten back together.

December 28, 2009: Arbitration Bid Lost

On December 28, 2009, Reggie Bush lost his bid for confidential arbitration in the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake, and the case proceeded to trial.

2009: BET Award Nomination

In 2009, Reggie Bush was nominated for Male Athlete of the Year at the BET Awards.

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.

February 2010: Essence Cover Controversy

In February 2010, Reggie Bush was featured on the cover of Essence magazine for the theme "Black Men, Love & Relationships," which generated controversy due to his relationship with Kim Kardashian and criticism that he only dated non-black women.

April 2010: Lawsuit Settled

In April 2010, the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake against Reggie Bush and his family was settled.

June 10, 2010: NCAA Sanctions Against USC

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced major sanctions against USC due to Reggie Bush receiving lavish gifts, including four years of probation, vacating wins, and a bowl game ban in 2010 and 2011.

July 20, 2010: USC Removes Bush's Honors

On July 20, 2010, USC president Max Nikias announced the school would remove all jerseys and murals displayed in Reggie Bush's honor and return the school's copy of his Heisman Trophy.

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: Forfeited Heisman Trophy

In 2010, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy amid a scandal related to improper benefits received during his time at USC.

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.

2010: Linked to Jessie James Decker

In 2010, Reggie Bush was romantically linked to country singer Jessie James Decker.

2010: Review of 2010 Case

On August 14, 2023, attorneys representing USC and Reggie Bush submitted a petition to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, asking them to review their 2010 case and reconsider their decision.

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.

2011: Bowl Ban

Due to sanctions announced on June 10, 2010, USC was banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 due to the Reggie Bush scandal.

2011: Began dating Lilit Avagyan

In 2011, Reggie Bush began dating Armenian dancer Lilit Avagyan.

2011: Hall of Champions Award Returned

In 2011, the San Diego Hall of Champions sports museum returned the copy of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy to his parents.

March 2012: Partnership with Barc Skincare

In March 2012, Reggie Bush became a partner and spokesperson for skincare company Barc, makers of BumpDown Razor Bump Relief.

2012: Returned Trophy to Heisman Trust

In 2012, Reggie Bush returned his Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trust.

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."

May 6, 2013: Birth of daughter, Briseis

On May 6, 2013, Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan welcomed their first child, a daughter named Briseis.

July 12, 2014: Marriage to Lilit Avagyan

On July 12, 2014, Reggie Bush married Lilit Avagyan.

2014: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2014, Reggie Bush was ranked 85th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list after a successful 2013 season with the Detroit Lions.

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.

July 12, 2015: Birth of son, Uriah

On July 12, 2015, Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan welcomed their second child, a son named Uriah.

September 14, 2015: Leg injury against the Vikings

On September 14, 2015, during the 49ers season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Reggie Bush left the game with a leg injury.

November 1, 2015: Season-ending injury against the Rams

On November 1, 2015, Reggie Bush suffered a season-ending tear of his left meniscus during a game against the St. Louis Rams after slipping on concrete surrounding the field at the Edward Jones Dome.

January 8, 2016: Lawsuit against the St. Louis Rams

On January 8, 2016, it was announced that Reggie Bush sued the St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, contending that a "concrete ring of death" around the field caused his injury.

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.

October 23, 2016: Touchdown with the Bills

On October 23, 2016, Reggie Bush rushed for his first and only touchdown of the season with the Buffalo Bills in a 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

September 2, 2017: Birth of son, Agyemang

On September 2, 2017, Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan welcomed their third child, a son named Agyemang.

December 15, 2017: Retirement from the NFL

On December 15, 2017, Reggie Bush announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons.

2017: Retirement from Professional Football

In 2017, Reggie Bush retired from professional football after playing for several teams, marking the end of his career as a player.

June 13, 2018: Bush won lawsuit against Rams

On June 13, 2018, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Reggie Bush had won the lawsuit against the Rams and was awarded $12.45 million in damages.

2018: Appeared on Talk Show the Game Show

In 2018, Reggie Bush appeared as a contestant on Talk Show the Game Show with Guy Branum.

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June 5, 2019: Induction into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

On June 5, 2019, Reggie Bush was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the team.

2019: Joined Fox Sports as analyst

In 2019, Reggie Bush joined Fox Sports as a college football analyst for their Big Noon Kickoff pregame show.

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May 2020: Reflections on Sanctions

In May 2020, Reggie Bush said in an interview with The Athletic that the sanctions against USC due to his conduct were "one of the worst feelings in the world".

June 9, 2020: USC Ends Disassociation

On June 9, 2020, USC announced they would be ending their disassociation with Reggie Bush following the conclusion of the NCAA's mandated 10-year span.

June 30, 2021: NIL Rule Changes

On June 30, 2021, after the NCAA ruled to allow players to make money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), Reggie Bush began advocating for the reinstatement of his Heisman Trophy and USC records.

July 2021: Defamation Lawsuit

In August 2023, Reggie Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that their use of the phrase "pay-for-play" in their July 2021 statement was a false claim that damaged his reputation.

2021: Supreme Court Decision

On April 24, 2024, the Heisman Trust cited the U.S. Supreme Court's 2021 decision questioning the legality of the NCAA's amateurism model as a factor in returning the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush.

October 2022: Ambassador deal with Srixon

In October 2022, Reggie Bush signed an ambassador deal with golf brand Srixon.

April 2023: Billboards Demand Return of Heisman

In April 2023, billboards began to appear in the Los Angeles area demanding the return of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy.

August 14, 2023: Petition to NCAA

On August 14, 2023, attorneys representing USC and Reggie Bush submitted a petition to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, asking them to review their 2010 case and reconsider their decision.

2023: Left Fox Sports

In 2023, Reggie Bush left Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff show after failing to reach an agreement on his next contract.

April 2024: Heisman Trophy reinstated

In April 2024, Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy was reinstated by the Heisman Trust.

April 24, 2024: Heisman Trophy Returned

On April 24, 2024, the Heisman Trust announced it would return the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush, citing changes in college football, including NIL policies and the U.S. Supreme Court's 2021 decision questioning the NCAA's amateurism model.

September 24, 2024: Sued NCAA, Pac-12 and USC

On September 24, 2024, it was reported that Reggie Bush is suing USC, the Pac-12 Conference, and the NCAA for the illegal use of his name, image, and likeness without permission or compensation.