Tag: Reggie Bush

A look back at Nebraska’s last visit to the Los Angeles Coliseum

The USC-Nebraska game played in 2006 marked a Trojan quarterback’s home debut. Jayden Maiava makes his first home start for USC, 18 years later.

On Saturday, USC will host Nebraska at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This will mark the first meeting between the Trojans and the Cornhuskers as Big Ten opponents. USC and Nebraska have met just five times prior, with the Trojans holding a record of 4-0-1 in those games.

Nebraska has visited the Coliseum just twice. The most recent of those visits came in September of 2006.

The days leading into the game were turbulent ones at USC. The week prior, the Trojans had gone into the heart of SEC country and opened the season with a 50-14 throttling of Arkansas. Head coach Pete Carroll’s team returned home to the Coliseum for their first home games of the post-Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush era. Both Leinart and Bush’s jerseys were officially retired prior to the game against the Cornhuskers.

During the lead-up to the game, however, reports began to surface that Bush had received improper benefits from an agent during his time at USC. As we all know, this would eventually lead to a mutli-year NCAA investigation that resulted in USC receiving incredibly harsh sanctions that would hold the program down for the better part of a decade.

As for the game itself, it was not particularly close. Although Nebraska scored first on an early field goal, the Trojans then went on a 21-0 run to largely put the game out of reach by the third quarter. When the clock hit zero, Pete Carroll’s team had a 28-10 victory to improve to 2-0 on the season.

The star of the show was Leinart’s replacement, new starting quarterback John David Booty. Making his second college start—and first in the Coliseum—Booty completed 25 of 36 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Star wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was also superb, catching 11 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.

Ironically enough, this Saturday’s matchup will also feature a USC quarterback making his first start in the Coliseum. The Trojans are hoping that Jayden Maiava can channel a little Booty magic of yesteryear and lead the team to a victory over Nebraska.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, Ducks Wire, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Former USC star Reggie Bush sues NCAA over NIL ‘injustice’

Reggie Bush is suing because he feels entitled to compensation for the use of his image and likeness.

Former USC Trojan star — and Notre Dame antagonist — Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA, the PAC-12, and USC over name, image and likeness money.

The former running back — he of the “Bush Push” fame — claims that USC, the PAC-12, and the NCAA have been earning money off of his likeness without acknowledging or compensating him.

“This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” Evan Selik, one of Bush’s attorneys, told ESPN. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”

This follows the forfeiture of Bush’s Heisman trophy and a USC national title due to impermissible benefits. Bush has since had his trophy returned. He also has sued the NCAA for defamation after a spokesperson for the org said Bush was taking part in “pay-for-play arrangements”.

Reggie Bush has sued the NCAA. Again.
Oct. 15, 2005; South Bend, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Reggie Bush avoids the tackle of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Mike Richardson on his way to a touchdown in the fourth quarter of USC’s 34-31 win over Notre Dame Saturday Oct. 15 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Matt Cashore

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tim on X: @tehealey

Reggie Bush ready for reunion with USC Trojans

Reggie Bush is ready to reunite with USC, 20 years after his electric 2004 season and subsequent split with the program following recruiting violations.

It’s always good to see wrongs being righted.

Former USC Trojans running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush is ready for a reunion with the program that he played for from 2003-05.

Bush has not been back to campus since his Heisman was rescinded after a 2006 investigation into USC Athletics uncovered a pay-for-play scandal. Bush lost more than his award. The Trojans were stripped of their 2004 BCS Championship, 30 scholarships over a three-year period, and a two-year bowl ban.

The school also had to cut ties with Bush.

The changed landscape of NIL agreements led to the reversal of Bush’s separation from USC, and the return of his award as the best college football player in 2005.

Since the announcement of the reversal, Bush has made the rounds outside of his college football broadcasting commitments. With the 2024 college season beginning and the Trojans securing the best win of Week 1, it makes sense for Bush to speak up about his willingness to reunite with USC.

The most telling of all comments from Bush came in an interview with the L.A. Times on September 3.

It’s not even something USC would need to ask me. It’s already a yes.

The former Doak Walker Award winner was announced as a 2024 inductee into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

The story between USC and Reggie Bush is not uncommon, but is also one that gets its happy ending. Is this the beginning of righting the wrongs of the past in college football? Even more, are fans ready for that?

Why USC legend Reggie Bush is feeling bullish on his alma matter in the Big Ten

USC legend Reggie Bush is sad to see the Pac-12 go, but he’s feeling good about his Trojans’ chances in the Big Ten.

Reggie Bush is USC football royalty.

His list of accolades includes winning the Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards – all during an iconic 2005 season which saw the versatile running back amass 2890 all-purpose yards.

Bush recently spoke with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon to discuss his alma mater and its transition to the Big Ten.

“I was excited when I saw them going to the Big Ten,” said Bush. “It was just kind of sad to see the Pac-12 gone and never to come back because that was our west coast brand of football. It was different than the other brands of football you see on tv.”

While Bush will miss the Pac-12, he’s bullish on the prospect of USC enjoying a fruitful season.

‘The change that I see – especially for USC is extremely positive. They are going to play very tough opponents which I think should not be something they should be worried about, but something that I see as going to elevate their play,” said Bush.

A key reason for the optimism is coach Lincoln Riley, the former Big 12 coach of the year.

“I like Lincoln Riley a lot, I think he is a great offensive mind,” said Bush. “He’s clearly built for this role and this opportunity.”

You can watch more from our interview with Reggie Bush in the video above.

Reggie Bush needs to be allowed to make more special moments

Reggie Bush needs to be given a chance to represent USC football in creative ways this year.

USC legend and former NFL Pro Bowler Reggie Bush made his official return to The Heisman House. His portrait was hung, a tangible sign of his welcome back into the Heisman fraternity.

Bush starred in the college football campaign four months after the Heisman Trust returned his trophy.

The 2005 Heisman Trophy winner also revealed that he’ll star in a Heisman House commercial with the most recent winner, LSU alum and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“Getting the chance to catch up with some of these guys that I’ve been friends with for a long time — either played with or against — even some of the younger guys that I’m also fans of like Jayden Daniels,” says Bush. “Excited to be here to see all these guys here, this small, tight community of winners. It’s definitely an amazing opportunity.”

In 2005, Bush won the Heisman Trophy after his teammate, Matt Leinart, won in 2004.

Bush ran for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on 200 carries, he also had 478 receiving yards and two more scores to finish with 2,218 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Bush, a San Diego native (Helix High), attended USC from 2003 to 2005 and had one of the best careers in college football history. He won two national titles, as well as the Heisman Trophy, during his time with the Trojans. After that he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints.

Whether it’s being allowed to lead USC out of the Coliseum tunnel before a game this season, or appearing with Pete Carroll and other USC alumni in a special reunion, Bush needs to be allowed to create more special USC moments this season. Let’s hope people are creative and clever in making that happen at the school and its football program.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_LSTlBx7KQ/?hl=en

Watch: Reggie Bush hangs his portrait in the ‘Heisman House’

Reggie Bush put up his portrait in the Nissan ‘Heisman House’ ahead of the college football season. Look for him to pop up in ad breaks this fall:

Now this is cool. Reggie Bush teased his appearance in Nissan’s popular “Heisman House” ad campaign with a video on Twitter showing him hanging a portrait from his USC Trojans days on display alongside other Heisman Trophy winners — while wearing his old USC jersey, too.

It’s been a long time coming. The former New Orleans Saints star running back was finally welcomed back into the Heisman Trust’s good graces this year, and he’s eager to make up for lost time. Bush was one of the most exciting college football players of his generation and he rightfully won the Heisman Trophy for his efforts on the gridiron. Now he gets to enjoy the same opportunities as other award-winners.

Bush has kept tabs on the Saints in the years since he left the team. Earlier this offseason he shared his take on what must change to end their playoff drought as well as what made his Super Bowl XLIV-winning squad so special. Fans watching big college football games in the fall will get to see what he and his peers at the “Heisman House” are up to (including other former Saints like Mark Ingram II and Ricky Williams) during ad breaks. Hopefully Bush enjoys that time in the spotlight.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Miami Dolphins RB & Texas A&M alumnus De’Von Achane to surpass elite Heisman Trophy winner

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane showcased elite speed during his rookie season in the NFL and the rest of the nation is starting to take notice.

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane showcased elite speed during his rookie season in the NFL and the rest of the nation is starting to take notice of what Texas A&M fans have known for a while.

In only 11 games last year, Achane accomplished a feat that took an elite Heisman Trophy winner over 11 campaigns to accomplish. With five 40-yard rushes in 2023, he tied the total achieved by longtime New Orleans Saints RB and USC alumnus Reggie Bush during his entire professional career.

Additionally, the Aggies alumnus is already among the top 10 fastest players in the league according to ratings in the upcoming Madden NFL 25 video game. With a speed of 96, Achane is 1-of-3 Dolphins in the upper echelon, alongside wide receivers Tyreek Hill (99) and Jaylen Waddle (97). He has the same rating as three WR: Rashid Shaheed of the Saints, DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks and Christian Watson of the Green Bay Packers.

Miami begins the 2024 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars at noon CT on Sept. 8 at Hard Rock Stadium.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NFL on ESPN (@espnnfl)

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Reggie Bush’s iconic playoffs TD run is the Saints Play of Day 25

Reggie Bush’s iconic touchdown run against the Cardinals in the playoffs is our pick for the Saints Play of Day 25 as we count down to kickoff:

There are 25 days to go until the New Orleans Saints kick off their regular season, and we’re highlighting one of the best plays that Reggie Bush made while wearing a black and gold No. 25 jersey. Bush scored a 46-yard touchdown run against the Arizona Cardinals during the 2009 playoffs to extend his team’s lead, which you can watch here.

It proved to be a pivotal play. The Saints had gotten stunned by a 70-yard Tim Hightower touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage, but they battled back with a couple scores of their own (Lynell Hamilton punched in a touchdown from thee 1-yard line, and Jeremy Shockey caught a 17-yard pass from Drew Brees on the next drive).

Then Bush stepped up and put the game firmly out of reach for Arizona. He danced and dodged around several Cardinals defenders before taking off into the open field, and they had no hope of catching him. Bush’s touchdown and Garrett Hartley’s extra point put the Saints up by 21-7, and Arizona never closed the gap before going home. New Orleans won at home, 45-14, and advanced to matchups with even greater stakes in the NFC Championship  Game and Super Bowl XLIV.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Reggie Bush reflects on 2009 Saints Super Bowl team

Former New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush reflected on the team’s magical 2009 season: ‘Our defense was just lights out’

390 The 2009 New Orleans Saints were one of the best squads we’ve seen the franchise have over recent years, and few remember that quite as vividly as legendary running back Reggie Bush.

In a recent interview with Forbes.com’s DJ Siddiqi., Bush reflected back on that magical year in which the team won Super Bowl XLIV, topping the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Miami.

“We had an identity,” Bush said. “The year we won the Super Bowl, we ran the football a lot. As good as Drew (Brees) was, running the football ended up becoming the thing that really helped us get over the hump, because it just opened everything up for Drew, right?”

Bush served as the team’s primary punt returner that season, playing an important role on special teams while he carried the ball 70 times for 390 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns.

One of the biggest things that stood out to Bush had nothing to do with his side of the ball, either. The saying “defense wins championships” may sound cliche, but there is some truth to it — and that goes for Super Bowls too.

“Our defense was just lights out,” Bush said of the 2009 team. “And that to me was the ultimate reason why we had been able to win a Super Bowl. Because our defense got turnovers and the turnovers gave us more and more opportunities. That’s part of the championship culture is when your defense can create turnovers and get the ball back to your offense.”

It will be interesting to see how and if the Saints can return back to the dominance of that 2009 team anytime soon, given how many areas there are to fix.

In the interview, Bush agreed with the notion that the current Saints team seems to lack identity, pointing first and foremost to the problems at the quarterback position.

But Bush is not without some optimism.

“You still see some of the lingering culture there, just culture of winning and how to work,” Bush said. “(Head coach Dennis Allen) understands the culture and the culture of winning.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Steve Gleason’s blocked punt is the Saints Play of Day 37

Steve Gleason’s blocked punt is the Saints Play of Day 37. Where were you when No. 37 brought the Superdome to its feet?

There are 37 days left in our countdown to the New Orleans saints’ season opener, and there isn’t a better pick for the Saints Play of the Day than Steve Gleason’s iconic blocked punt.

Gleason, who of course wore the No. 37 jersey, was already a fan-favorite before he earned his place in Saints history — known for his brash sense of humor and devil-may-care style of play. He burst through the Atlanta Falcons line to block their punt in the game’s opening minutes, which was recovered by his teammate Curtis DeLoatch who returned it for a special teams touchdown.

That’s impressive enough, but circumstances are what made this such a special play. It was the first game the Saints played in front of their home crowd at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans. It was a matchup against their oldest, bitterest rivals. And it was just the third game the Saints had played with Sean Payton, Drew Brees, and Reggie Bush in place as the new faces of the franchise.

And Gleason’s contributions to this win have been rightfully immortalized. There’s a bronze statue dedicated to his blocked punt in this “Rebirth” game standing outside the Superdome overlooking Champion’s Square that remains a popular pilgrimage site for Saints fans. Gleason’s battle with ALS in retirement has continued to keep him in fans’ minds, and plays like this one are why they fell in love with him in the first place.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]