Reggie Bush Is Getting His 2005 Heisman Trophy Back After Forfeiting

Back in 2005, Reggie Bush was on top of the world after receiving the highest honor in college football, the Heisman Trophy. Just five years later, in 2010, the USC star running back was forced to give back the award — but now his hard-earned trophy will finally be returned to him.

On April 24, the Heisman Trust announced its decision to give Bush back his trophy, citing the “enormous changes” — the NCAA’s “Name, Image and Likeness” (NIL) policy, which allows college players to take on brand partnership deals — that have since been made in the world of college football, according to CNN.

In 2010, Bush gave up his Heisman Trophy following an NCAA investigation that determined he received money and goods from USC that were not allowed under NCAA rules, thus ruling him ineligible.

“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 to Reggie,” Heisman Trust President Michael Comerford said in a statement.

Following the announcement that he would finally be reunited with his award, Bush posted a photo of his Heisman Trophy alongside the caption, “No one can take from you what God has for you.”

Bush released an additional statement after the announcement, saying “I am grateful to once again be recognized as the recipient of the Heisman Trophy.” 

“This reinstatement is not only a personal victory but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey,” he said.

In August 2023, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for “maliciously attacking” his character. At the time, he said the lawsuit was in reference to a 2021 statement made by an NCAA spokesperson claiming Bush was involved in a “pay-for-play arrangement” during his time as the running back on the USC football team.

“Most recently, the NCAA has made a statement about me, accusing me of engaging in a pay-for-play arrangement, which is 100% not true,” Bush said in a press conference at the time. “Not only is it not true, but there is no evidence to even support that claim.”

The NCAA told PEOPLE they had “no additional comment at this time” regarding the lawsuit.

Speaking Wednesday, Comerford said that the Heisman Trophy Trust is “thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments.”

“We are so happy to welcome him back.”