Video: Reggie Bush Gets Heisman Trophy Back; USC Legend Forfeited Award in 2010

Fourteen years after forfeiting his Heisman Trophy in the wake of an improper benefits investigation, former USC running back Reggie Bush got his hardware back.

The Heisman Trust officially announced the reinstatement of Bush's trophy on Wednesday. Michael Comerford, who is the president of the Heisman Trust, released a statement on the decision, via ESPN's Pete Thamel:

"We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments. We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back."

Additionally, Bush released a statement and expressed excitement to be reunited with the trophy he won in 2005, as well as with his fellow Heisman winners:

"Personally, I'm thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I'm honored to return to the Heisman family. I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization."

In 2005, Bush enjoyed one of the best seasons by a running back in college football history, rushing for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. He also caught 37 passes for 478 yards and two scores, and he scored once on a punt return.

Bush won the Heisman in a landslide that year, but he was retroactively stripped when an NCAA investigation determined that Bush and his family were given money and other gifts by boosters.

Last year, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA and claimed he was never paid to play while at USC.

Per CNN's Cheri Mossburg, the lawsuit was in response to the NCAA releasing a statement in 2021 regarding the new name, image and likeness (NIL) rules and whether they would open the door for those who were punished for receiving improper benefits in the past would be redeemed as a result.

In the statement, the NCAA said "pay-for-play type arrangements" were still banned, and that "previous penalties, including those that are several years old, will not be re-evaluated or reconsidered."

A groundswell of support built behind Bush in recent years with fellow Heisman Trophy winners in Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart and Tim Brown speaking out publicly regarding their belief that Bush should be reinstated, per Thamel.

Manziel made a post Wednesday on X in which he celebrated the Heisman Trust's decision:

The Heisman Trust ultimately had a change of heart from its previous stance, noting that "compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay," thus opening the door for the Trust to look past any benefits Bush may have received during his collegiate career.

Bush, 39, went on to have a successful NFL career after leaving USC, playing 11 seasons and winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.

He has also found his niche as a college football analyst since retiring, but his recognition as a Heisman Trophy winner has been the one thing missing.

With the Heisman Trust's decision, Bush will not only get his Heisman Trophy back, but he will also be invited to all Heisman-related functions moving forward, which will allow for him to be properly recognized for his accomplishments.