Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush

refer to caption

Bush in 2009
No. -- Free agent
Position: Running back
Personal information
Date of birth: (1985-03-02) March 2, 1985
Place of birth: Spring Valley, California
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school: La Mesa (CA) Helix
College: USC
NFL draft: 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
Career history
Career highlights and awards
NFL
College
Career NFL statistics as of 2015
Rushing yards: 5,493
Average: 4.3
Rushing TDs: 35
Receptions: 470
Receiving yards: 3,508
Receiving TDs: 18
Player stats at NFL.com

Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush, Jr. (born March 2, 1985) is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He played college football at USC, where he earned consensus All-American honors twice and won a Heisman Trophy, and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. Bush won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints in 2010 over the Indianapolis Colts. He has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.

Bush also won the 2005 Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards. However, allegations he received improper benefits were central to an NCAA investigation of the USC football program that led to severe NCAA sanctions against USC, including a two-year postseason ban and the vacating of wins from the 2004–05 championship season. As a result, Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy.[1][2]

Early life

Bush was born in 1985 in Spring Valley in San Diego County, California,[3] and named for his biological father, Reginald Alfred Bush, Sr.[4][5] He was a running back at Helix High School in La Mesa, California.[3] While at Helix, he played with 2004 Heisman Trophy finalist Alex Smith. During his prep career at Helix, he won the prestigious Silver Pigskin trophy awarded by KUSI's Prep Pigskin Report. Smith and Bush were later finalists for the 2004 Heisman, making it the first time a high school had two finalists at the same ceremony. He played in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Bush was listed as the No. 1 running back in the nation in 2003.[6]

Bush was also a track star at La Mesa, placing second (10.72) -1.7m in the 2002 CIF California State Meet 100 meters final and posting bests of 10.42 seconds in the 100 meters (both the fastest prep time in the state, and among the nation's senior footballer players) and 21.06 seconds in the 200 meters (third fastest prep in California in 2002). Reggie is still 2nd all time on the 100m dash all-time list for San Diego. He placed second in the boys' 50 meters, clocking at 5.85 at the 2003 Los Angeles Invitational Indoor Meet.

College career

Reggie Bush at USC's 2004 BCS National Championship celebration.

Bush received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Southern California, where he played for the Trojans from 2003 to 2005 under head coach Pete Carroll. When Carroll recruited Bush he envisioned using him as a five-way threat. The freshman quickly proved effective in carrying, catching, throwing and returning the ball. Bush was a consensus first-team Freshman All-American selection in 2003, and became the first Trojan since Anthony Davis in 1974 to lead the Pacific-10 Conference in kickoff returns. His 1,331 all-purpose yards set a USC freshman record. The ESPN Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year also amassed 521 yards rushing that year, with three touchdowns on 91 carries.

University of Utah quarterback Alex Smith and Bush were both finalists for the 2004 Heisman Trophy, making it the first time a high school had two finalists at the same ceremony. In 2004, Bush finished fifth in the Heisman voting and was named the team's MVP. He earned consensus All-American honors and was a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. He finished second on the team with 143 carries for 908 yards (6.3 avg) and six touchdowns, adding 509 yards and seven scores on 43 receptions (11.8 avg). Bush returned 21 kickoffs for 537 yards (25.6 avg) and 24 punts for 376 yards (15.7 avg) and a pair of touchdowns. He became the first Trojan since Marcus Allen to lead the Pac-10 in all-purpose yardage, totaling 2,330 yards. He also threw for one touchdown, tossing a 52-yard scoring strike.[7]

In 2005 Bush was a unanimous first-team All-American and winner of the Heisman Trophy. He was also named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, the Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. Offensive Player of the Year, and the Touchdown Club of Columbus (Ohio) Player of the Year. In addition to the Walter Camp Award, Bush also won the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation's best running back. He led the nation with an average of 222.3 all-purpose yards per game and finished fourth in the NCAA Division I-A ranks with an average of 133.85 rushing yards per game. He set the Pac-10 record for all-purpose yards in a game, with 513 (294 rushing, 68 receiving, 151 return) against the Fresno State Bulldogs on November 19, 2005. Bush also became known for the "Bush Push," which occurred on a game-winning score against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.[7]

Bush led the Trojans with 1,740 yards on 200 carries (8.7 avg) with sixteen touchdowns and ranked third on the squad with 39 receptions for 481 yards (12.9 avg), including a pair of scores as a junior. He returned 18 punts for 179 yards (9.9 avg) and a touchdown, and gained 493 yards on 28 kickoff returns (17.6 avg).[7]

Bush started only fourteen times in 39 games at USC. However, he finished tenth in NCAA Division I-A history with 6,541 all-purpose yards, racking up 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns on 433 carries (7.3 avg) and 1,301 yards with thirteen scores on 95 catches (13.7 avg). Bush returned 67 kickoffs for 1,522 yards and a touchdown, adding 559 yards and three scores on 44 punt returns (12.7 avg). He also completed one of three pass attempts for a 52-yard touchdown.[7]

Legacy

By the end of the 2005 season, Bush had amassed 2,611 all-purpose yards and scored 18 touchdowns (15 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 punt return).[8] He was awarded the Heisman Trophy on December 10, 2005. He had 784 first-place votes while University of Texas Longhorns quarterback Vince Young finished second with 79 first-place votes, an overall edge in voting points of 2,541 to Young's 1,608.[9] Teammate Matt Leinart came in third with 18 first-place votes. Bush had the second most first-place votes and the second-highest total points in the history of Heisman voting at that time, behind only O.J. Simpson's 855 in 1968.[10][11] Bush became the 71st winner of the Heisman Trophy, and the seventh USC player to receive the award. In addition to his Heisman Trophy, Bush also won the Doak Walker Award and Walter Camp Award, and was selected as the Pac-10's offensive player of the year.

On January 4, 2006, Bush and Leinart became the first pair of Heisman Trophy winners to play together in a single game, against the Longhorns in the Rose Bowl. Bush amassed a total of 279 all-purpose yards (82 rushing yards, 95 receiving yards, 102 kickoff return yards) and one touchdown, but he was overshadowed in a losing effort by Heisman runner-up Vince Young and Bush's teammate LenDale White, who led USC in rushing with 123 yards and three touchdowns. Bush also attempted to lateral when he was tackled after a long run, but the lateral fell to the ground and was recovered by the Longhorns. This game gave Bush a total of 6,890 all-purpose yards for his college career.

NCAA investigation and lawsuits

In 2006, reports surfaced raising questions about whether Bush's family received gifts in violation of NCAA policies.[12][13][14] The school requested that the conference investigate the matter, and Bush denied any impropriety.

Sports agent Lloyd Lake sued Bush and his family in November 2007 for not repaying over $290,000 in gifts. Lake also agreed to cooperate with the NCAA.[15] In April 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that the NCAA had merged its investigations of Bush and former USC basketball player O. J. Mayo into a single probe of the Trojans athletic programs.[16] On December 28, 2009 it was announced that Bush had lost his bid for confidential arbitration in this matter and that the case would proceed to trial.[17] The case was settled in April 2010.[18]

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced major sanctions against USC. The NCAA found that Bush had received lavish gifts from Lake and his partner, Michael Michaels, from at least December 2004 onward, including a limousine ride to the 2005 Heisman Trophy presentation. As a result, USC was given four years of probation and forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season – including the 2005 Orange Bowl – as well as all of its wins in the 2005 season. The Trojans were also banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. Running backs coach Todd McNair was banned from off-campus recruiting for one year after the NCAA determined he had known about Bush's dealings with the agents. McNair sued the NCAA for damages related to his dismissal and the NCAA lost. The Judge in the case found the NCAA conducted the USC investigation and that of McNair with "malice".[19] The NCAA also forced USC to permanently disassociate itself from Bush.[20][21]

The NCAA determined that, given Bush's high-profile status, USC should have invested more effort in monitoring Bush's relationships. In announcing the penalties, NCAA infractions committee chairman Paul Dee said, "High-profile players merit high-profile enforcement."[22]

On July 20, 2010, incoming USC president Max Nikias stated that the school would remove from its facilities all jerseys and murals displayed in Bush's honor, and would return the school's copy of Bush's Heisman Trophy.[23] On August 12, USA Today reported that Bush had called USC's new athletic director, Pat Haden, and apologized for making poor decisions that led to the NCAA sanctions.[24] However, in a subsequent report in the Los Angeles Times, Haden said that the characterization of Bush's call as an "apology" was incorrect; Haden described it as "a conversation of him being contrite, but not an apology", and he also noted that Bush had not admitted to any specific wrongful acts.[25]

Amidst reports that the Heisman Trophy Trust would strip his award,[26] Bush in September voluntarily forfeited his title as the 2005 winner.[1][2] The Heisman Trust decided to leave the award vacated with no new winner to be announced.[27] The San Diego Hall of Champions sports museum returned the copy of the award it possessed back to Bush's parents in 2011.[28] Bush eventually returned his trophy to the Heisman Trust in 2012.[29]

Awards and recognition

Professional career

2006 NFL Combine

Pre-draft measurables
Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP
5 ft 10⅞ in 201 lb 4.33[36] s 40.5 in 10 ft 8 in 24 reps
All values from NFL Combine

2006 NFL Draft

On January 12, 2006, Bush elected to forgo his senior season at USC and declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Bush's on field performances made him a leading contender for a top pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and he also made an impressive appearance at USC's highly publicized post-season pro day showcase,[37] where he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.33 seconds.[38] Draft analysts predicted that he would be the first overall pick in the draft, a pick held by the Houston Texans. However, in a surprising move on the night before the draft, the Texans signed Mario Williams, a defensive end from North Carolina State University, meaning that Bush would not be the first draft pick.[39] Bush's representatives spoke that night with the New Orleans Saints, who said they intended to use the second overall pick to select Bush.

Bush was indeed drafted by the Saints with the second overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Houston Texans' decision to not take Bush was derided by many sports analysts. At the time, ESPN commentator Len Pasquarelli claimed that Houston selecting Williams ahead of Bush was one of the biggest mistakes made in NFL Draft history.[40]

On April 26, 2006, three days prior to the draft, Bush had signed a multi-year endorsement with Adidas to promote football and training clothes, and help the athletic sportswear company launch cleats in 2007.[41]

New Orleans Saints

2006 season

Bush's selection by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL draft generated excitement and celebration among Saints fans. By the end of the week after the draft, Reebok reported receiving over 15,000 orders for Bush's Saints jersey, even though his jersey number with the Saints had not yet been determined.[42] Bush had petitioned the NFL to wear the number 5, which he has worn throughout his high school and college careers. However, in order for him to wear that number, the NFL would have to revise its numbering regulations, which require running backs to wear a number between 20 and 49. Bush was allowed to wear the number 5 during the Saints' minicamp practices pending the NFL's ruling. On May 23, 2006, the NFL competition committee officially rejected his request, and on May 25 it was officially announced that Bush would be wearing number 25, acquired from Saints running back Fred McAfee. Although Bush had earlier pledged to donate a quarter of the money he received from jersey sales to Hurricane Katrina victims if allowed to wear the number 5, he later said he would make that donation no matter what number he wears.[43] As part of the deal with McAfee to wear the number 25, Bush agreed to allocate half of that money to charities of McAfee's choosing, with the other half going to charities of Bush's choosing. McAfee pledged to donate his share to Katrina victims in his home state of Mississippi.

Bush was second to Peyton Manning in NFL endorsement deals, amounting to roughly US$5 million annually. He signed contracts with Pepsi, General Motors, Adidas, Pizza Hut and the Subway restaurant chain.

Amazed by the warm reception he received from the fans in New Orleans as well as the magnitude of the devastation caused there by Hurricane Katrina, Bush expressed excitement about playing with the Saints and pledged to help the city recover from the hurricane. On May 15, 2006, Bush donated US$50,000 to help keep Holy Rosary High School, a Catholic school for students with learning disabilities, from closing.[44] During training camp, Saints receiver Joe Horn dubbed him "Baby Matrix" because of his seemingly impossible evasive maneuvers (apparently comparing him to the movie The Matrix, which features characters who move faster than humanly possible to dodge bullets).

Bush's rookie season had both ups and downs, although as the season wore on he became more productive and integral to the Saints' surprising success. In the first game of Bush's NFL career, he amassed 141 total yards against the Cleveland Browns. He carried the ball fewer times than his counterpart Deuce McAllister, putting off any speculation that he would immediately supplant McAllister as the starter in New Orleans. The Saints won the game by a score of 19–14. In his team's week 9 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bush finished the game with -5 yards on 11 carries despite the Saints' 31-14 victory. This effort lowered his league-worst rushing average among running backs to only 2.55 yards per carry. However, he finished the midway point of the season with 46 receptions, the most by any running back in the league.

At the midway point of the season, Bush had yet to score a touchdown either receiving or running the ball; however, on November 12, 2006, Bush rushed for his first touchdown from scrimmage on a reverse against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On December 3, Bush tied the Saints' single-game touchdown record, held by Joe Horn, by scoring four touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. He gained 168 all-purpose yards as he sparked the Saints to their eighth win of the season. On December 10, Bush scored a 62-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, contributing to the Saints' 42–17 drubbing of the Cowboys in what was expected to be a more competitive matchup that would be important to the playoff race. On December 24, Bush scored a one-yard touchdown on a reverse against the New York Giants. Bush also had a career-high 126 rushing yards on the day. On December 31, Bush scored a one-yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers but carried the ball only three times, even though backfield counterpart Deuce McAllister did not play. This was because the New Orleans Saints had already clinched the No. 2 NFC seed in the playoffs.

In the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 13, 2007, Bush ran for 52 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown, and added three catches for 22 yards, as New Orleans edged the Philadelphia Eagles 27–24 to earn its first NFC Championship Game appearance in the team's 40-year history. The game was also notable for the vicious hit that Bush absorbed from Sheldon Brown while attempting to catch a swing pass on the Saints' first play of the game. On January 21, in the NFC Championship playoff game, Bush caught a pass on the 22 and ran 78 yards downfield (eluding the Chicago Bears safety) for an 88-yard touchdown thrown by Drew Brees. This comeback was the first score of the second half and closed the gap from 16–7 (in favor of Chicago) to 16–14. That was the last time, however, the Saints would score. The Bears went on to trounce the Saints 39–14 to earn a berth to the Super Bowl.[45][46][47]

Bush was fined by the NFL after the game for US$5,000 for taunting: which consisted of wagging his finger at All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher and doing a somersault after the 88-yard reception score. Bush apologized immediately after the event.[48]

2007 season

In the season opener of the 2007 season, Bush and the Saints lost to the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts 41–10. Bush was tied for a team-best 38 rushing yards on 12 carries. He also had seven yards on four receptions and a punt return for two yards in a disappointing opener for him and the Saints. Their next game was equally as disappointing, as the Saints were beaten 31–14 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bush averaged 2.7 yards per carry and 27 yards from scrimmage – over a third of which came on one play. Bush scored two rushing touchdowns, both one-yard runs, in the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Tennessee Titans. In that game, Bush carried seven times for 15 yards while catching six passes for 20 yards. Bush missed the final four games of the 2007 season with a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Bush finished the season with six total touchdowns and 581 yards rushing, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

2008 season

Bush and the New Orleans Saints faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open the 2008 season. With Deuce McAllister out due to injury, Bush started the game. He showed great improvement early in the season, particularly during Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, in which he had 18 carries for 73 yards and two touchdowns, one touchdown that included a run up the middle, cutting back to the outside for 23 yards. He added a second touchdown on a six-yard swing pass from Drew Brees near the goal line. Bush ended the game with 11 receptions for 75 yards and one receiving touchdown. Since he came into the league, no running back has caught more passes out of the backfield than Bush, who collected 171 receptions in his first two years. On October 6, in a home game against the Minnesota Vikings, he returned two punts for touchdowns and nearly had a third, tying an NFL record for single-game punt returns for touchdowns and becoming the 12th player to do so. In a home game against the Oakland Raiders on October 12, Bush tied the NFL record for fastest time to his 200th catch, doing so in only 34 games.[49]

Bush was injured in the October 19 game against the Carolina Panthers. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee the next day and was expected to miss the next three to four games. Bush returned on November 30 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and registered three carries for no yards and five catches for 32 yards in a 23–20 Saints loss. However, one week later he was back on track, producing over 100 yards from scrimmage and a TD catch in an important 29–25 home win against the division rival Atlanta Falcons to keep the Saints' slim playoff hopes alive.

On December 11, Bush sprained his medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the Saints' 27–24 overtime loss in Chicago. Although diagnosed as a sprain, given that it was the same knee he had surgery on earlier in the year – and that the Saints were now out of the playoff picture with only two games left in the 2008 season – Bush was placed on injured reserve, ending his season early for the second year in a row. He finished the season with 404 rushing yards on 106 carries, 440 yards receiving with 52 receptions and nine total touchdowns, playing in ten games.

On January 7, 2009, the New Orleans Saints confirmed that Bush had surgery on his left knee, and would require months of rehabilitation. However, Bush was expected to be ready for minicamp in June.[50]

2009 Super Bowl season

On August 16, 2009, Bush left practice due to continuing problems with his left knee, later to return with his knee wrapped in an icepack. Bush and the Saints said that he iced the knee as a precaution.[51] Bush missed the last three games of the 2009 preseason due to a calf injury and to rest his surgically repaired knee. Team officials called it precautionary in nature and stated that Bush would be ready to play during the regular season.

Bush missed games 11 and 12 of the regular season due to soreness in his surgically repaired knee. He also missed most of game 15 due to a minor hamstring injury.

Bush at the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory parade.

Bush experienced career lows in every major category for the 2009 season. While he had 8 total touchdowns, good for 3rd on the team, Bush was used sparingly during the year. Bush ended the year playing in 14 games with 70 carries for 390 yards and 5 touchdowns, and 47 receptions for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns.

On January 16, 2010, in the NFC divisional playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, Bush had one of the best games of his pro career. He rushed for 84 yards on only 5 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown run. This play was the longest run by a New Orleans Saints player in the postseason. He also added an 83-yard punt return touchdown late in the third quarter, the Saints' last score in their 45–14 win.[52]

In the NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 24, Bush had only 8 yards rushing on 7 carries with 2 receptions for 33 yards, and he fumbled a punt return. However, one of his receptions was a late touchdown that helped the Saints win their first NFC championship and their first Super Bowl appearance and eventual victory in franchise history.[53] On February 7, 2010, Bush won his first Super Bowl with a 31–17 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Miami.[54]

2010 season

Bush's 2010 season was overshadowed by the controversy over his Heisman Trophy, as well as other matters related to his years at USC. During the second regular-season game, a Monday Night Football contest with the San Francisco 49ers, he was injured while returning a punt. He did not return to the game. The injury was diagnosed as a broken bone in his right leg and he was expected to miss at least six weeks. He returned on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys.[55]

Miami Dolphins

Bush during the 2012 season.

2011 season

On July 28, 2011, the Saints traded Bush to the Miami Dolphins for reserve safety Jonathon Amaya and a swap of 6th round draft picks.[56] After an 0–7 start, during the Dolphins' first win of the 2011 season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bush scored his first rushing touchdown since 2009. Bush also had his second career 100-yard game against the New York Giants having rushed for 103 yards on just 15 carries. In Week 13 Bush rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in a 34–14 win over the Oakland Raiders. Bush would again eclipse the 100-yard mark in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the following week, rushing for 103 yards on just 14 carries. On December 18, Bush rushed for a career-high 203 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in a 30–23 win over the Buffalo Bills. Bush would rush for 113 yards on 22 carries on Christmas Eve in a losing effort at the New England Patriots. Early in the game, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season for the first time in his pro career.

2012 season

After a solid week one against the top-tier Houston Texans, Bush broke out on the ground with 172 yards on a career-high 26 carries and two rushing touchdowns, as well as 25 reception yards, in a 35–13 win over the Oakland Raiders. Bush was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for week 2, the second time since joining the Miami Dolphins, and third time in his career (once in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints).

Detroit Lions

Bush signed with the Detroit Lions on March 13, 2013.[57] Bush's contract with the Lions was a 4-year deal, worth $16 million with $4 million guaranteed.[58] Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole reported that Detroit plans to utilize Bush as a "three-down back" and Bush described playing for the Lions as a "running back's dream."[59] On his debut for the Lions, he recorded 191 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.[60] On February 25, 2015, Bush was released by the Lions.[61]

In his 2-years with the Lions, he had 299 carries, 1,303 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns. Bush also accounted for 94 receptions, 759 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers

2015 season

On March 18, 2015, Bush signed with the San Francisco 49ers.[62] His 1-year contract was for $2.5 million, with $500,000 guaranteed, and a $500,000 signing bonus.[63] On September 14, 2015 in the 49ers season opener, Bush left the game with a leg injury. On November 1, 2015, during a game against the St. Louis Rams, Bush slipped on the concrete surrounding the field at the Edward Jones Dome and crashed into the wall. He suffered a season-ending tear of his left meniscus.[64] On January 8, 2016, it was announced that Bush is suing the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, contending that what he described as a "concrete ring of death" around the field caused his injury.[65]

Career statistics

Rushing stats

Year Team Games Attempts Yards Yards per Carry Longest Carry Touchdowns First Downs Fumbles Fumbles Lost
2006 NO 16 155 565 3.6 18 6 27 2 2
2007 NO 12 157 581 3.7 22 4 32 7 3
2008 NO 10 106 404 3.8 43 2 20 2 2
2009 NO 14 70 390 5.6 55 5 19 2 1
2010 NO 8 36 150 4.2 23 0 6 0 0
2011 MIA 15 216 1,086 5.0 76 6 40 4 2
2012 MIA 16 227 986 4.3 65 6 43 4 2
2013 DET 14 223 1,006 4.5 39 4 46 5 4
2014 DET 11 76 297 3.9 26 2 9 0 0
2015 SF 5 8 28 3.5 9 0 0 0 0
Total Total 121 1,274 5,493 4.3 76 35 242 26 16

[66]

Receiving stats

Year Team Games Receptions Targets Yards Yards per Reception Longest Reception Touchdowns First Down Fumbles Fumbles Lost
2006 NO 16 88 119 742 8.4 74 2 32 0 0
2007 NO 12 73 99 417 5.7 25 2 24 0 0
2008 NO 10 52 72 440 8.5 42 4 22 1 0
2009 NO 14 47 68 335 7.1 29 3 16 0 0
2010 NO 8 34 43 208 6.1 20 1 10 0 0
2011 MIA 15 43 52 296 6.9 34 1 12 0 0
2012 MIA 16 35 52 292 8.3 25 2 14 0 0
2013 DET 14 54 80 506 9.4 77 3 22 0 0
2014 DET 11 40 56 253 6.3 28 0 13 0 0
2015 SF 5 4 10 19 4.8 8 0 1 0 0
Total Total 121 470 651 3,508 7.5 77 18 166 1 0

[66]

Returning stats

Year Team Games Punt Return Attempts Punt Return Yards Punts Returned for Touchdown Punts Fair Caught Longest Punt Return Kickoff Return Attempts Kickoff Return Yards Kickoffs Returned for Touchdown Kickoffs Fair Caught Longest Kickoff Return
2006 NO 16 28 216 1 2 65 0 0 0 0 0
2007 NO 12 3 12 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0
2008 NO 10 20 270 3 3 71 0 0 0 0 0
2009 NO 14 27 130 0 9 23 0 0 0 0 0
2010 NO 8 14 92 0 2 43 1 32 0 0 32
2011 MIA 15 6 52 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0
2015 SF 5 2 9 0 1 9 0 0 0 0 0
Total Total 80 100 781 4 17 71 1 32 0 0 32

[66]

Personal life

At one time Bush dated WWE Diva Eve Torres while at USC.[67] Bush then dated Kim Kardashian. Their relationship began after being introduced by Matt Leinart at the 2007 ESPY Awards. They split on July 27, 2009[68] and got back together on September 28, 2009.[69] They split again in late March 2010.

Bush began dating Armenian dancer Lilit Avagyan in 2011.[70] In October 2012, it was reported that Bush and Avagyan were expecting their first child together.[71] On May 6, 2013, Avagyan gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Briseis.[72] Bush and Avagyan married on July 12, 2014 in San Diego, California.[73] On July 12, 2015, Bush and Avagyan welcomed a second child, a boy named Uriah.[74]

In September 2014, while Bush was a guest on the Boomer and Carton radio show, he shared some thoughts on Adrian Peterson and corporal punishment. In that appearance he is quoted as saying, "I most definitely discipline my daughter. I have a 1-year-old daughter, and I discipline her. Obviously, every person is different, and I definitely will use my best judgement to discipline her depending on the situation and what happens. I definitely will try to obviously not leave bruises or anything like that on her, but I definitely will discipline her, harshly, depending on what the situation is."[75]

Media career

French mobile game publisher Gameloft announced on November 21, 2006 that it had signed Bush as its cover athlete for Reggie Bush Pro Football 2007, which was made available in January 2007 across multiple wireless carriers and cell phones. This marked the second cover endorsement for Bush, who was the cover athlete of Electronic Arts' NCAA Football 07. Gameloft did not secure the NFL license for this mobile game, which means that actual team names, logos and NFLPA players (aside from Bush) were not incorporated into the gameplay. In 2007, he appeared in Ciara's music video "Like a Boy".

On June 26, 2007, David Beckham's first major U.S. TV ad campaign since joining the Los Angeles Galaxy made its debut via the web. Titled "Futbol Meets Football", it paired Beckham with Bush in a 13-part video series, with additional television, radio and online promotion by Adidas.[76]

In August 2007, he signed a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio to be a weekly announcer for the 2007 season.[77]

Bush was nominated for Male Athlete of the Year at the 2007[78] and 2009[79] BET Awards.

Bush was featured almost shirtless on the February 2010 cover of Essence as part of an issue about "Black Men, Love & Relationships."[80] However, this appearance generated controversy as some among the magazine's readers took offense to Bush on the cover of such an issue; at the time he was involved with Kim Kardashian and Bush was accused of only dating non-black women.[81]

Also in 2010, Bush's fundraising work for organizations that benefit Haiti and diamond-producing countries in Africa earned him a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards. Specifically, Bush worked on behalf of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, visiting Botswana and South Africa and raising money for education there. He is a founding member of the Fund's Athletes for Africa program.[82] The awards show, produced by VH1, is dedicated to honoring people who do good and is powered by Do Something, an organization that aims to empower, celebrate, and inspire young people.[83]

In August 2011, Bush starred in an episode of Same Name, where he stayed with the Bush family on their farm in Illinois for four days. In this episode, Bush helped coach the Schlarman high school football team. At the end of his stay, he presented the high school with a refurbished football locker room, flew the Bush family to Hawaii for a week, and paid for Cindy's first year of college.

In March 2012, Bush became a partner and spokesperson for skincare company Barc, makers of Bump Down Razor Bump Relief.[84]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Smith, Erick (September 14, 2010). "Reggie Bush announces he is giving back his Heisman Trophy". USA Today. Retrieved September 14, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Pennington, Bill. (September 14, 2010) Bush, Ineligible for ’05, Returns His Heisman. New York Times. September 14, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-11-03.
  3. 1 2 "Bio". ReggieBush.com. Reggie Bush. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  4. ↑ Schrotenboer, Brent (December 8, 2005). "Trophy hopeful Bush from humble beginnings, tries to stay that way". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 2012-10-11.
  5. ↑ Reggie Bush at NFL.com
  6. ↑ Reggie Bush Recruiting Profile
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Reggie Bush Draft Profile". FoxSports.com. Retrieved 2006-07-21.
  8. ↑ Schrotenboer, Brent (December 8, 2005). "Trophy hopeful Bush from humble beginnings, tries to stay that way". SignOnSanDiego.com. Retrieved 2006-08-28.
  9. 1 2 Archived November 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ↑ "USC's Bush wins Heisman by monumental margin". Associated Press. December 11, 2005. Retrieved 2006-08-28.
  11. ↑ Archived December 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  12. ↑ Schrotenboer, Brent; Trotter, Jim (April 23, 2006). "Reggie Bush's parents face questions about home". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  13. ↑ Robinson, Charles; Cole, Jason (September 15, 2006). "Cash and carry". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  14. ↑ Farmer, Sam; Wharton, David (September 23, 2006). "After Carroll Reaches Out, Upshaw Seeks Agent Solution". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Bush, family sued by sports marketer for nearly $300,000 in cash, gifts – College Football". ESPN. November 1, 2007. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  16. ↑ Pugmire, Lance. NCAA combines investigations into USC athletics. Los Angeles Times, 2009-04-09.
  17. ↑ "Suit vs. Bush to proceed in court". Associated Press. December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  18. ↑ "Reggie Bush reaches settlement in civil suit", Los Angeles Times April 21, 2010.
  19. ↑ Anthony McCartney (2012-11-21). "Judge says NCAA 'malicious' in USC investigation". College Football.
  20. ↑ USC punished with two-year football posteason ban. ESPN, 2010-06-11.
  21. ↑ "NCAA infraction report" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  22. ↑ Mandel, Stewart. With harsh USC penalties, NCAA sends warning to all elite programs. Sports Illustrated, 2010-06-10.
  23. ↑ Mike Hiserman, "USC to send back its Reggie Bush Heisman", Los Angeles Times, July 20, 2010.
  24. ↑ David Leon Moore, "USC AD Pat Haden gets apology from Reggie Bush", USA Today, August 13, 2010.
  25. ↑ Gary Klein, "USC Athletic Director Pat Haden gets a phone call, but no apology, from Reggie Bush", Los Angeles Times, August 13, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Heisman Trust leader denies decision to revoke Bush's trophy". NFL. September 7, 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  27. ↑ "Reggie Bush's Heisman to stay vacated". ESPN. September 16, 2010. Archived from the original on August 16, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy reportedly returned to Bush family". nola.com. July 19, 2011. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Reggie Bush returned Heisman", ESPN.com, August 16, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Awards | Walter Camp Football Foundation". Waltercamp.org. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  31. ↑ "Doak Walker Award". Smu.edu. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  32. ↑ Julie Jacobson/The Associated Press. "New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush first player to forfeit Heisman Trophy". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  33. ↑ "Player Bio: Reggie Bush – University of Southern California Official Athletic Site". Usctrojans.cstv.com. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  34. ↑ "EA Drafts Heisman Trophy Winner Reggie Bush as Cover Athlete". April 28, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
  35. ↑ "25 Greatest Players In College Football – College Football". ESPN. January 2, 2008. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  36. ↑ 2006 NFL Combine Results - Top 100 Players at ESPN.com (accessed 2015-06-24).
  37. ↑ Klein, Gary (April 1, 2009). "Nothing compared to USC's 2006 Pro Day". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2015-06-24. USC's 2006 event [was] regarded throughout the college and pro football worlds as the pro day to end all pro days. Back then, pro day was open to the public. So a huge crowd showed up to catch a glimpse of Heisman Trophy winners Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart . . . and others.
  38. ↑ Farmer, Sam (April 3, 2006). "Showcase Is a Mixed Bag at USC". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2015-06-24. Bush, meanwhile, ran the 40-yard dash in a sizzling 4.33 seconds -- he said he was hoping for an even better time -- and had a vertical jump of 40 1/2 inches. Not surprisingly, both were the best performances of the day. 'I think I proved I should be the No. 1 pick,' he said.
  39. ↑ "Texans ink DE Williams, to draft him No. 1". NFL. April 28, 2006. Archived from the original on June 15, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
  40. ↑ Pasquarelli, Len (April 28, 2006). "Snubbing Bush a Texans-size blunder". ESPN. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
  41. ↑ "Reggie Bush signs deal with Adidas". Associated Press. April 26, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
  42. ↑ Halliburton, Suzanne (May 18, 2006). "Football rookies make a big impact on fans". Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved 2006-07-21.
  43. ↑ "Reggie Bush won't get his No. 5 this year". Associated Press. May 23, 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-21.
  44. ↑ Farmer, Sam (September 1, 2006). "Reggie Bush is putting down roots in New Orleans". Seattle Times. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  45. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 22, 2007). "The Denver Post – Bush league move inflames Chicago". Denver Post. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  46. ↑ Schwartz, Paul (January 22, 2007). "Bush League". New York Post. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  47. ↑ "The SouthtownStar :: Sports". Daily Southtown. January 22, 2007. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  48. ↑ "Yahoo! Sports – Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  49. ↑ "Bush ties Boldin's NFL record with 200th catch in 34th game". ESPN. Associated Press. October 12, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
  50. ↑ Saints: Bush had 'microfracture' surgery. Retrieved on 2009-01-07.
  51. ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (August 5, 2009). "New Orleans Saints tackle report that Reggie Bush suffered setback". ESPN.
  52. ↑ "Reggie! Reggie!". Lafayette Daily Advertiser. AP. January 19, 2009. Retrieved 2010-01-25.
  53. ↑ "Saints beat Vikings in OT, reach 1st Super Bowl". Sports Illustrated. January 24, 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  54. ↑ Gough, Martin (February 8, 2010). "Saints upset Colts in Super Bowl". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
  55. ↑ news: Bush's broken leg expected to keep him out six weeks. NFL (September 21, 2010). Retrieved on 2011-11-03.
  56. ↑ Kelly, Omar. "Miami Dolphins working to finalize deals for Reggie Bush, Kyle Orton". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  57. ↑ "Lions add Reggie Bush to fold," ESPN (March 13, 2013). Retrieved June 13, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Reggie Bush's contract worth up to $16 million". March 13, 2013.
  59. ↑ Wachtel, Kyle. "The Potential of Reggie Bush in Detroit". ForensicFantasy.com. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  60. ↑ "Week 1: Top 10 beast performances". NFL Videos.
  61. ↑ Wesseling, Chris (February 25, 2015). "Reggie Bush released by Detroit Lions". nfl.com. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  62. ↑ Patra, Kevin. "Reggie Bush agrees to join New York Jets". NFL.com. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  63. ↑ "Reggie Bush contract could be worth $2.5 million".
  64. ↑ Matt Fitzgerald. "Reggie Bush Injury: Updates on 49ers RB's Knee and Return". Bleacher Report.
  65. ↑ Ben Rohrbach (2016-01-08). "More bad news, Rams fans: Reggie Bush sues St. Louis over injury". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 2016-02-07.
  66. 1 2 3 "Reggie Bush Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  67. ↑ "MTO EXCLUSIVE: Did Y'all Know That Reggie Bush's OLD GIRLFRIEND ... Before Kim K ... Is A PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER????". Mediatakeout.com. August 26, 2008. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  68. ↑ "The Saint and The Sinner". GQ. April 2009.
  69. ↑ "Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush Are Back Together!". Retrieved 2009-09-30.
  70. ↑ "Reggie Bush’s First Tango in Paris With New Galpal". Gossip Extra. July 19, 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-13.
  71. ↑ "Reggie Bush: "I Have a Little One on The Way!"". Gossip Extra. October 9, 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-13.
  72. ↑ "Reggie Bush of Miami Dolphins set to become first-time father". NFL. Associated Press. October 9, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-09.
  73. ↑ "Reggie Bush Marries Lilit Avagyan". people.com. July 12, 2014.
  74. ↑ "Reggie Bush & Wife Lilit Avagyan Reveal Newborn Baby Son Uriah!". Mstarz. September 11, 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-13.
  75. ↑ Tom Ley (2014-09-17). "Reggie Bush Admits To "Harshly" Disciplining His 1-Year-Old Daughter". Deadspin.
  76. ↑ "adidasbecksandbush". Sdmlsproject.com. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  77. ↑ "Reggie Bush inks Sirius Radio Announcer Deal | lalate news – America's Fastest Growing Celebrity News Site!". News.lalate.com. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  78. ↑ "2007 BET Awards official site". Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  79. ↑ "Best Male Athlete at BET Awards 2009 official site". Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  80. ↑ "Reggie Bush on the February Cover of ESSENCE". 2010-01-05. Archived January 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  81. ↑ "Essence Takes Heat For Reggie Bush Cover". BET.com. January 7, 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  82. ↑ "Founding Members of Athletes for Africa". Diamond Empowerment Fund. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  83. ↑ "Home page". Do Something. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  84. ↑ "Football Star Reggie Bush Becomes Partner in Barc Skincare, Named Official Spokesperson". GlobeNewswire. 2012-03-29. Retrieved 2013-03-16.

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