Reggie Bush recently opened up about the profound impact of being drafted by the New Orleans Saints during a challenging period in his life.
In an interview on CBS Mornings, the former NFL star shared that he was grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts at the time.
“When I think I’m at my weakest point and when I’m dealing with depression, fighting thoughts of suicide, there’s an entire city there to embrace me and to lift me up, and to give me an opportunity to go out, once again, to prove myself,” he said.
Bush’s career faced significant turmoil when he voluntarily returned his 2005 Heisman Trophy following an NCAA investigation, which found he had received impermissible benefits while playing at the University of Southern California. However, the narrative around athlete compensation has shifted dramatically, highlighted by the NCAA’s adoption of the “Name, Image, and Likeness” (NIL) policy. This change contributed to the Heisman Trust’s recent decision to reinstate Bush’s trophy, acknowledging the shifting landscape of college athletics.
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Reflecting on regaining his Heisman Trophy, Bush commented on its familiar weight and shared his emotional journey, saying, “I’ve cried over it… but I felt like at this point, I was just taking it in and just being happy and just enjoying the moment, and just knowing that we did this.”
Amid these developments, Bush is pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, asserting that they wrongfully tarnished his reputation. He insists, “I was never paid to play. That never happened. Ever. I was a broke college kid.” Despite the return of his trophy, Bush is adamant about continuing his lawsuit, emphasizing the need for accountability in the NCAA.
Bush also criticized the economic disparities in college sports, pointing out that while coaches and administrators earn millions, the athletes, who are the main attraction, benefit the least. “The kids are paying for the adults,” he stated, advocating for better compensation for student-athletes.
On a personal note, Bush expressed how meaningful it would be to see his college number displayed again at USC, stating, “It means everything. That’s what I grinded for.”
The Heisman Trust, acknowledging the transformation in college sports, decided it was the right time to restore Bush’s award. Following the announcement, Bush celebrated this vindication with a poignant message on social media: “No one can take from you what God has for you.”
