Former USC star Reggie Bush lost his 2005 Heisman Trophy over a violation of NCAA rules.
But now that those archaic guidelines around student-athletes profiting off their name, image and likeness (NIL) have been lifted, 49ers tight end George Kittle is among the many advocating for Bush's college records and accolades to be reinstated.
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Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, currently a free agent, wants the NCAA to apologize to Bush.
Bush himself put out a statement after the NCAA's new protocols around student-athletes' NIL rights, asking for his Heisman Trophy and NCAA records to be returned.
The one-time 49ers running back (Bush got eight carries for 28 yards in 2015) was one of the most electrifying college football players in modern history, helping USC win a national championship in 2004 and winning the Heisman a year later. Both of those accomplishments later were vacated after an investigation revealed Bush and his family had accepted impermissible benefits from a pair of agents connected to a USC coach.
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Student-athletes formerly had to sign away their right to earn compensation from the use of their NIL, but those rules have been lifted as states around the country passed legislation dictating how college athletes can use their name, image and likeness to their advantage.
Kittle likely grew up watching Bush run rampant over college football during his three collegiate seasons, and the tight end just wants to see the ex-USC star rightfully recognized for his excellence.