No. 5 Returns!

Has it really been 10 years already?

Ten full years since the NCAA mandated that Reggie Bush was to stay disassociated from the USC Trojans entirely.

Ten full years since the most iconic running back of the 2000’s, one of the most decorated running backs to ever wear Cardinal and Gold was forced to vacate his Heisman and leave USC alone.

We all know the story. We all know how it happened. We all know what happened. What everyone who was privy to the situation knows is not known, however, but now that 10 years is fully gone, we don’t have to worry about that.

All we have to worry about now — is that Reggie Bush is BACK.

The iconic No. 5 is back. The most electric running back in some time has returned.

I repeat, Reggie Bush is back.

So, what does that mean? Why should we care if we all knew Reggie was Reggie? Well, just start at the basics:

University President Carol L. Folt wrote a letter to Bush, stating: “I am pleased to inform you that all restrictions and prohibitions on your involvement in our athletics program are officially removed and you will be afforded the privileges and courtesies extended to all Trojan football alumni.”

No more will athletic programs be without his name. No more will the record books be without Reggie Bush dotted along all the rushing profiles. No more will the coaching staff and players be blocked from talking to Reggie. No more will we see Reggie from afar.

Athletic Director Mike Bohn wrote a similar sentiment, stating how excited he is that this disassociation is over. And we share those same sentiments:

“When I was hired to represent the Trojan Family as the Director of Athletics, I committed to listening and learning before leading. Throughout this process, one of the consistent themes that emerged from my discussions was how much Reggie Bush means to our former players, USC alumni, and fans everywhere. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Reggie and so many of his teammates, and I’m pleased his disassociation has ended so that we can welcome him back to our family. I’m confident that Reggie will use his incredible platform and influential voice to support and empower all of our student-athletes.”

Reggie himself also stated his excitement: “I’ve dreamed of this day for 10-plus years, and I’m excited to come home!”

The second overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft currently serves as a college football analyst for Fox Sports while his 619 Charitable Foundation benefits the youth in San Diego, his hometown.

It is almost a given that Reggie’s disassociation ending will make way for serious involvement with him and the athletics department, though unknown just how as of right now.

All we do know right now, though, is that Reggie’s back. And with the orchestrated and calculated approach to his return from the USC Athletics Department, it seems like they have big plans for the former Heisman Trophy winner.*

Oh, and I’m going to start removing that * from that term now.

It’s time. Ten years is long enough. Give that man his trophy back.