ADDENDUM: HELMET IS NOT PART OF ENSEMBLE AS STATED IN CATALOG. PHOTO AND TAGGING EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT JERSEY AND POSSIBLY OTHER ITEMS WERE WORN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OR MULTIPLE YEARS.
Reggie Bush was a human highlight reel the moment he stepped on the gridiron for the USC Trojans in 2003 as a true Freshman. The explosive running back out of Helix High (San Diego county) didn't even start his first two years, having to share carries with starter LenDale White. It didn't matter; he still piled up the yardage. Whether it was taking a handoff, catching a screen pass or receiving a punt, Bush did it all and was unstoppable. A 1st team Freshman All-America in 2003, his 1331 all-purpose yards set a USC freshman record. He was a Heisman finalist as a Sophomore in 2004 and was named team MVP, becoming the first Trojan since Marcus Allen to lead the PAC-10 in all-purpose yardage (2,330). He averaged 10.1 yards every time he touched the ball that year. USC won back-to-back National Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2005 Bush was a unanimous first-team All-America and took home the Heisman Trophy. He led the nation with an average of 222.3 all-purpose yards per game. It was a perfect season for Bush until the Rose Bowl, when Texas pulled off the upset to deny USC a 3rd straight National Title. Despite starting only 14 of 39 games over three years at USC, Bush finished 10th in NCAA Division I-A history with 6,541 all-purpose yards. Featured here is an incredible opportunity to own an ensemble of Reggie Bush USC game-worn uniform pieces from his impressive career as a Trojan.
The white mesh/cadora pullover garment with red epaulet shoulders features Bush's number "5" on the chest, each sleeve and the back in red tackle twill. Each sleeve bears stretch knit sleeve cuffs. A red Nike "swoosh" appears near the left shoulder. An interlocking "SC" logo appears at the "v" of the collar. A size "42" label appears on the left front tail with a small flag tag reading "S". Bush has signed the front numeral "5" in 7-8/10 silver marker. It has heavy wear throughout, with grass stains on the upper back and shoulder areas, a couple slight tears in the mesh, a large silver paint transfer at the bottom of the front '5' and several contact marks in the red epaulet shoulders. The largest white contact mark in the epaulet of the left shoulder can be photo-matched to the October 15, 2003 game at Washington when Bush was a Freshman.
The yellow Nike pants with red stripes down the side come with no manufacturers tag. There are black pen scribbles in the waistband where the team equipment manager would mark the player's name or uniform number to keep in order during laundry. Nothing is 100% legible, but it appears #5 was crossed out. The pants come with both sets of Bassco thigh pads and Schutt knee pads tucked inside the legs. One of the thigh pads is marked "5" in black. A size 34 yellow belt is included as are the original laces for fastening the crotch. The Nike swoosh logo has been removed from the right leg. The pants show light to moderate wear and come essentially as-issued and problem-free.
Also included are Bush's game-worn Riddell shoulder pads and Nike cleats. The maroon size XL Riddell 'Power' pads come equipped with all plastic protection plates, straps and laces completely intact. They show appropriate wear and were reconditioned in 2005 as indicated by the sticker on the back side. The black high-top size 12.5 Nike cleats show light to moderate game use, with individual cleats slightly worn down and dirt stains on the leather exterior. They come with original laces intact and essentially as-issued. Even a pair of Bush's white socks are included, with holes in the cotton but thankfully laundered. The red USC helmet shown in the photos of the fully-dressed mannequin is not part of this ensemble. It comes from an earlier era of USC football, and thus not worn by Reggie Bush. Overall, what an amazing collection of game-worn items from perhaps the most exciting player in college football history!
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. Jersey comes with Letter of Authenticity from USC Athletic Department. The LOA from USC incorrectly states that the jersey is a size 48 from the 2004 season. It is a size 42, and based on game photos from Getty (2650149, 2650280) was also worn in 2003.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Note: Mannequin and helmet not included.