REPORT: Johnny Manziel Played Major Role In Reggie Bush Heisman Decision - Gridiron Heroics
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REPORT: Johnny Manziel Played Major Role In Reggie Bush Heisman Decision

Daniel YerushalmiBy No Comments3 Mins Read
Johnny Manziel
Sep 16, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Former Texas A&M Aggies player Johnny Manziel is interviewed during the game between the Aggies and Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Manziel was reportedly involved strongly in the reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy. On Wednesday, the Heisman Trust formally and officially returned Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy. The former USC Trojan once again will join a fraternity of legends that features on of his biggest and most vocal supporters: Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel: The Most Vocal Supporter Of Reggie Bush

Reggie bush Johnny Manziel
Dec 3, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; FOX Sports personality Reggie Bush before the Big Ten Championship between the Michigan Wolverines and the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Manziel shocking made a statement last month saying that he would not attend any of the future ceremonies for the Heisman winners until Bush got reinstated and received what he rightfully deserved.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who first reported the Heisman’s decision, thinks that Manziel coming out so strongly in Bush’s defense put pressure on the Trust to give Bush his trophy back.

“I do think Johnny Manziel‘s public plea made a difference the other day,” Thamel said on the Pat McAfee Show. “The Heisman is an age-old institution that’s sensitive to criticism, and when one of their own came out that strongly, I think that mattered.”

 

Johnny Manziel Celebrates Reggie Bush Reinstatement

Johnny Manziel

Back in 2010, Bush was forced to forfeit his Heisman when news came out that he profited of his name and likeness during his career. That was prohibited at that time, unlike now in which college players are getting paid like pros.

This was one of the fundamental issues that Manziel had with the hypocrisy of players getting paid millions now, while Bush still has not been given back his trophy. Pete Thamel believes that the change with NIL rules was the beginning of the reinstatement for Bush.

The Trust said “fundamental changes in college athletics” prompted them to give Bush his award.

“We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie,” Heisman Trophy Trust president Michael Comerford said in a statement. “We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Manziel took to social media to celebrate the announcement. He said he “couldn’t be happier for my guy” and will longer boycott future ceremonies.

“Thank you to the Heisman Trophy for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold,” Manziel said. “There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December. You deserve it.”

Related: BREAKING: 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner Finally Gets Award Back

Reggie Bush Heisman
Jan 4, 2005; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Reggie Bush heads up field on the first play form scrimmage in a 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the FedEx Orange Bowl during the BCS National Championship at Pro Player Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Daniel Yerushalmi is a NYU graduate in sports management and media, and has worked in sports writing for 2 years. Originally from Miami, and very passionate about all things NFL. Daniel is a sports writer for Gridiron and Hardwood Heroics.

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