Reggie Bush
The dynamic runner who helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV.
Reginald Alfred Bush II, born March 2, 1985, is an American former professional football player who played as a running back in the NFL. Selected by the New Orleans Saints with the second overall pick in the 2006 draft, he quickly became a fan favorite known for his versatility and speed. His tenure included being named an All-Pro punt returner in 2008 and helping the franchise secure its first Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010. After playing for several other teams including the Bills, Dolphins, Lions, and 49ers, he retired in 2017 before transitioning to a role as a college football analyst.
- Role
- Running Back
- Affiliation
- New Orleans Saints (2006–2009)
- Draft Year
- 2006
- Major Honor
- Super Bowl XLIV Champion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Bush's impact extended beyond statistics; his arrival coincided with a critical period for New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. During his time with the Saints, he earned All-Pro honors as a punt returner in 2008 and played a key role in the team's championship run. The 2010 Super Bowl victory stood as a crowning achievement of his professional career. Although his relationship with his college alma mater USC became complicated due to an NCAA investigation regarding improper benefits received starting in December 2004, Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010. It was later reinstated 14 years following NCAA rule changes, acknowledging the complexity of his legacy.
In Their Own Story
On January 4, 2006, Bush and teammate Matt Leinart made history as the first pair of Heisman winners to play together in a single game during the Rose Bowl against Texas. While that specific contest ended in a loss to Vince Young's Longhorns, Bush contributed 279 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. In his professional career with the Saints, he continued to showcase his multi-faceted skills, returning kickoffs and punts while rushing for significant yardage. A defining moment of his college tenure occurred on November 19, 2005, against Fresno State, where he set a Pac-10 record with 513 all-purpose yards. Another iconic memory from that season was the 'Bush Push' during the game-winning score against Notre Dame, a play that highlighted his clutch performance under pressure.
Reader's Guide
To understand Bush's career, one must look at his college dominance before turning pro. He played for USC from 2003 to 2005 under Pete Carroll, earning consensus All-American honors twice and winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy with 784 first-place votes. His college numbers were staggering: 6,541 total all-purpose yards, 3,169 rushing yards on 433 carries, and 1,301 receiving yards. The NCAA later found he received gifts from agents Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels, leading to severe sanctions for USC, including a two-year postseason ban and the vacating of wins from 2004 and 2005. Despite these controversies, his athletic feats remain documented records, such as being the first Trojan since Marcus Allen to lead the Pac-10 in all-purpose yardage.
Did You Know?
- Bush and high school teammate Alex Smith were the first pair of finalists from the same high school to compete for the Heisman Trophy in 2004.
- In college, Bush set a Pac-10 record with 513 all-purpose yards in a single game against Fresno State on November 19, 2005.
- Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010, but it was reinstated 14 years later following NCAA rule changes.
- He was the second overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
- Bush was named an All-Pro punt returner in 2008 during his time with the Saints.