Reggie Bush: The NFL superstar running back that never was
Although Reggie Bush had a decent NFL career, he never quite turned out to be the superstar that he was expected to become. He, of course, is definitely better known for his collegiate career than what he accomplished at the next level. The San Diego native played three seasons for the USC Trojans and emerged as one of the best college running backs of all time.
Bush recorded a total of 1,429 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns during his first two years at USC. In his third and final season, he rushed for an astounding 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns.
For his career, Bush produced 3,169 rushing yards, 1,301 receiving yards and 2,051 yards off kick and punt returns. He also racked up a total of 42 touchdowns (25 rushing, 13 receiving and four off returns).
Bush helped the Trojans win a national championship as a freshman. He also won another championship, the Heisman Trophy and the Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards, but they were later vaccated due to allegations that he received improper benefits.
Kids today will never understand how great USC Reggie Bush was. One of the greatest college football backs ever. 🍿 https://t.co/XmZg4QKGi7
Reggie Bush failed to make the same impact in the NFL that he did at USC
After becoming a megastar in college, Bush was expected to be the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Instead, the Houston Texans took North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams with the top pick. Bush was drafted by the New Orleans Saints second overall.
With the 2nd pick of the 2006 NFL Draft the New Orleans @Saints select RB Reggie Bush from the University of Southern California. https://t.co/iY8TpqKOgS
As a rookie in New Orleans, Bush rushed for 565 yards and six touchdowns. He also recorded 88 catches for 742 yards and two scores, as well as 216 punt return yards and a touchdown.
During his fourth season, Bush teamed with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to lead the Saints to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2011. In his first year with the team, he picked up the first 1,000 rushing-yard season of his career.
Bush went on to play five more seasons with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. He rushed for a total of 5,490 rushing yards during his 11-year NFL career. He never made a Pro Bowl and only rushed for over 1,000 yards twice.
While Reggie Bush wasn't a bust, he never lived up to his lofty expectations coming out of college.