Reggie Bush's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Reggie Bush.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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: 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.