Reggie Bush arrives at the 18th Annual Harold And Carole Pump Foundation Gala held at the Beverly Hilton. Sipa USA

Athletes want NCAA to return Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy following new NIL policy

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/2/21

The NCAA's new NIL policy went into effect Thursday, allowing college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness. Now, Reggie Bush believes the NCAA should return his vacated Heisman Trophy because of the new changes.

The former USC star released a statement saying that his "hard work and dedication" were the reasons he won college football's most prestigious trophy, not the improper benefits he received while with the Trojans.

My statement… pic.twitter.com/kbyqXgHncf
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) July 1, 2021

Bush voluntarily returned the trophy after an improper benefits investigation revealed that he and his family had received nearly $300,000 in cash, living arrangements and other benefits.

During his Heisman-winning season in 2005, Bush recorded 2,218 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. He went on to be selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints.

Bush isn't the only one upset with the NCAA over the issue. Several other former college athletes took to Twitter to voice support for him in his quest to get his trophy back:

Give Reggie Bush his Heisman back while we’re at it
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) July 1, 2021

Hey @NCAA give @ReggieBush his @HeismanTrophy back. Do the right thing !!! pic.twitter.com/3VASm8hmcP
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) July 1, 2021

It’s time to give Reggie Bush his Heisman Trophy back
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 1, 2021

Good day to highlight @ReggieBush’s greatness at USC
#TBT | : @USC_FB pic.twitter.com/omiJkVrOsM
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 1, 2021

Despite the support, it doesn't appear Bush will be getting his award back. The 36-year-old said in his statement that he was told he would not be hearing from the President of the Heisman Trust.

It's an unfortunate matter, but Bush doesn't need a trophy for everyone to realize his greatness.

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