Plus, the former college football superstar once dated Kim Kardashian

COLLEGE football icon Reggie Bush is finally getting his Heisman Trophy back.

The former USC star will be formally reunited with college football’s most-prestigious prize 14 years after he was forced to give it up, per ESPN.

Reggie Bush is presented with the 2005 Heisman TrophyCredit: Getty

The former USC star has now been reunited with the prestigious trophyCredit: Instagram/reggiebush

The running back won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 after a transcendent year for USC in which he rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry.

But Bush forfeited the iconic trophy five years later after an NCAA investigation ruled that he and his family received a series of illegal benefits during his time at the Trojans.

Amid huge public pressure in recent years – including support from former winner Johnny Manziel – the Heisman Trust has decided to “reinstate” the trophy to Bush amid “enormous changes in the college football landscape.”

This includes student-athletes’ ability to make small fortunes off their name, image and likeness (NIL).

Bush will receive his 2005 Heisman Trophy while a replica will be sent to USC.

The 39-year-old will also be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, beginning in the 2024 season.

Bush said he was “thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy.”

Here is a look at Bush’s incredible football career in the college and professional ranks, as well as his colorful private life.

TROJAN WARRIOR

Bush was one of the most exciting players in college football during his time at USC under Pete Carroll from 2003 until 2005.

During his three seasons with the Trojans, Bush amassed 3,169 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, 1,301 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.

Bush was a transcendent force at USC from 2003 to 2005Credit: Getty

The running back inspired the Trojans to the national title in 2004Credit: Getty

Bush was the landslide winner of the 2005 Heisman TrophyCredit: Getty

He was also a two-time All-American and the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

Bush ran away with the Heisman Trophy in 2005, securing 784 of 892 first-place votes, beating out Texas’ Vince Young and USC teammate Matt Leinart.

He rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry that season.

Bush also caught 37 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns, and he even scored once on a punt return.

During his sophomore season, he inspired USC to the college football national championship.

However, Bush’s time at USC was clouded by an NCAA investigation which determined that Bush, his mother and stepfather had taken extra benefits while he was a student.

USC was hit with a two-year bowl ban and a reduction of 30 scholarships.

“It was a horrible feeling, one of the worst feelings in the world,” Bush told The Athletic.

“It felt like I died when I had to hear that there weren’t gonna be scholarships for kids because of me or because of something connected to me.

My dad is a Hall of Fame wide receiver – I’m entering NFL Draft and hoping to follow in his footsteps

“I’m still not over that. It’s just something you learn to live with.”

Bush’s reputation also took a hit, with accusations that he was a cheater.

“For me, when I hear that, I know that’s not who I am,” he says.

Since the adoption of NIL payments, Bush has campaigned to get his Heisman Trophy back.

And now his hard work has paid off.

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION

Bush was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 2 pick of the NFL Draft in 2006.

The running back did not reach the same heights he achieved at college after getting a series of injuries.

Bush was drafted No. 2 by the Saints in 2006Credit: Getty

He won a Super Bowl with New Orleans four years laterCredit: Getty

Bush in action for the Miami DolphinsCredit: Getty

But he was still able to win a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2010.

He also played for the Miami Dolphins (2011-12), Detroit Lions (2013-14), San Francisco 49ers (2015) and Buffalo Bills (2016).

Bush finished his career with 5,490 rushing yards on 1,286 carries and 36 touchdowns with two 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

He also finished with 477 receptions for 3,598 yards and 18 receiving touchdowns.

Bush was an expert punt returner, finishing the 2008 season with 20 returns for 270 yards and three touchdowns.

In total, Bush earned $63 million over 11 seasons in the NFL.

CELEBRITY PARTNERS

In 2007, Bush started dating Kim Kardashian – and their relationship was documented on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians.’

Despite having a long-distance relationship, Kardashian was clearly smitten by the NFL star.

Bush dated reality TV star Kim KardashianCredit: Getty

He is now married to dancer Lilit AvagyanCredit: Getty

“I hope so. I think I finally made the right choice,” she told People.

“He’s just a really sweet, normal guy,”

The couple called it quits in 2009 and then permanently split a year later after a brief reconciliation.

Bush reportedly dated country singer Jessie James in 2010.

A year later, Bush began dating Armenian dancer Lilit Avagyan.

They married in 2014 and have three children – Briseis, Uriah and Agyemang.

Bush has described Avagyan as “someone I really love and care about.”