Matt Barnes and Richard Jefferson Celebrate NFL Legend Reggie Bush as 14-Year-Long Wait Finally Ends

The year 2024 has marked a moment of celebration for NFL star Reggie Bush. Notably, the ex-USC Trojans star had returned his Heisman Trophy back in 2010 because of an NCAA investigation against him. The NCAA found that Bush and his family received improper benefits while playing for USC, which violated NCAA rules back then. However, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules brought major changes in this scenario. These changes led to the Heisman Trust’s decision to reinstate Bush’s trophy this month. And ex-NBA stars Matt Barnes and Richard Jefferson have expressed their satisfaction with this decision.

“Hey, man, wanted to send a big shout out to Reggie Bush. Congratulations on getting your Heisman back. NCAA. Y’all know you was dead ass wrong for that. And keeping it for that long, salute bro,” Matt Barnes said in a video post on Instagram. He further mentioned that now that the NCAA has given Bush his Heisman back, the Fab 5 (1991 University of Michigan men’s basketball) should also be recognized. Notably, the Fab 5 affected not just the University of Michigan, but the basketball culture in itself during their time in the 90s.

Coming back to Reggie Bush, the ex-New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) star Richard Jefferson also congratulated the ex-NFL star. He did this through a video post on Instagram, along with Matt Leinart. The video involved Jefferson’s humorous take on not being able to move past his own days of glory. “Sometimes I just wish people would leave us alone during our walk. Hey @reggiebush there’s room in the wagon for one more. #freereggiebush CONGRATS!!!” read the caption to the video post.

Reggie Bush on the return of the Heisman Trophy

It is worth mentioning that the Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in American college football. So Bush is bound to feel overjoyed after receiving back the honor after almost a 14-year wait. Also, with him receiving back his Heisman Trophy, Bush will now again be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. He further mentioned that he will look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.