Lincoln Riley, USC celebrate decision to return Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush
USC head coach Lincoln Riley never had an opportunity to coach Reggie Bush, but he understands the importance of Bush to USC football and college football history. Wednesday, Riley offered his thoughts following the Heisman Trophy Trust’s announcement of their decision to reinstate Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy, which he won by appearing on a then-record 99% of ballots and earning what was then the second most first-place votes of all time.
“Reggie, what a great day,” Riley said in a video posted to social media by the USC football program. “From the entire USC football family, we want to tell you congratulations on being re-introduced into the Heisman family.
I know for you, for your family, former coaches, teammates, everybody that’s been associated with USC football, this is really, really special for you to be re-introduced back into the Heisman family, for your trophy to be back on this campus with the other seven winners, right where it absolutely deserves to be.
The Heisman and USC have, for a long time, been very synonymous. And to now be able to recognize all eight of our winners is very, very special
Congratulations, my friend. You absolutely deserve it. We’re so proud of you, so proud that you’re a Trojan, and proud to be a part of this history with you.
Congrats, and Fight On.”
Riley also posted a message on his X account:
“An history day for one of the best to ever do it. Very appreciative of the [Heisman Trophy Trust] for their decision today to re-introduce [Reggie Bush] back into the Heisman Family where he belongs. There has never been an individual award like the Heisman and has never been another player like Reggie…very fitting to see them brought back together.”
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