Reggie Bush has played professional football as a running back since 2006. His explosive college career at USC led him to the New Orleans Saints, where he became a slot/flex option instead of a featured running back. Before last year, his best single-season yardage total was a paltry 581 yards, and that was back in 2007.
But last year, something changed. Bush recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,086 yards, to be exact). He ran differently. He seemed to thrive on contact. He was stronger and tougher to bring down. And then, last week against the Oakland Raiders, Bush ran 26 times for 172 yards and two TDs. He looked like a completely different player, more confident in his ability to make defenders miss, every bit the franchise back that the league thought he’d be when he turned pro.
So what happened to Reggie Bush?
In short, he became a real NFL running back. He redeemed himself. After his record-breaking highlight runs at USC, scouts drooled over the prospect of adding the dynamic Bush to their roster. Remember how much flak the Houston Texans took for passing on Bush with the first pick in the 2006 NFL Draft? But since that time, Bush has had to deal with the widespread perception that he’s unable to carry the full load of a pro offense.
Last year’s yardage total and his strong start this season have enabled Reggie Bush to silence his critics. He’s averaging an absurd six yards per carry so far for the Dolphins, and against the Raiders in Week Two, he put on a show with a 23-yard TD run.
So how did Bush turn himself into a workhorse? With hard work. He built a foundation of strength while he was with the New Orleans Saints. Here’s a look at a one of his off-season strength workouts during that time. Bush told STACK, “My biggest weapon is obviously my speed, and my ability to break down anybody one on one in open space.”
By working hard and focusing on what he does well, Bush has finally reached his full potential as a pro.
Photo: ESPN
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Reggie Bush has played professional football as a running back since 2006. His explosive college career at USC led him to the New Orleans Saints, where he became a slot/flex option instead of a featured running back. Before last year, his best single-season yardage total was a paltry 581 yards, and that was back in 2007.
But last year, something changed. Bush recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,086 yards, to be exact). He ran differently. He seemed to thrive on contact. He was stronger and tougher to bring down. And then, last week against the Oakland Raiders, Bush ran 26 times for 172 yards and two TDs. He looked like a completely different player, more confident in his ability to make defenders miss, every bit the franchise back that the league thought he’d be when he turned pro.
So what happened to Reggie Bush?
In short, he became a real NFL running back. He redeemed himself. After his record-breaking highlight runs at USC, scouts drooled over the prospect of adding the dynamic Bush to their roster. Remember how much flak the Houston Texans took for passing on Bush with the first pick in the 2006 NFL Draft? But since that time, Bush has had to deal with the widespread perception that he’s unable to carry the full load of a pro offense.
Last year’s yardage total and his strong start this season have enabled Reggie Bush to silence his critics. He’s averaging an absurd six yards per carry so far for the Dolphins, and against the Raiders in Week Two, he put on a show with a 23-yard TD run.
So how did Bush turn himself into a workhorse? With hard work. He built a foundation of strength while he was with the New Orleans Saints. Here’s a look at a one of his off-season strength workouts during that time. Bush told STACK, “My biggest weapon is obviously my speed, and my ability to break down anybody one on one in open space.”
By working hard and focusing on what he does well, Bush has finally reached his full potential as a pro.
Photo: ESPN