Shaking Off Defenders and a Reputation

This Sunday Reggie Bush has a chance to shake it all off. He has the chance to save face for the entire fraternity. Reggie Bush may get the chance to strike his own pose in the Super Bowl for the New Orleans Saints -- something not too many former Heisman Trophy winners have been able to do in a long, long time.

It's been chronicled for years. Heisman trophy winners, for whatever reason, don't have success at the NFL level. Since 1990, there has only been two former Heisman Trophy winners that have had an impact on a big playoff game in the NFL. The first one was 1996, and his name was Desmond Howard. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan (1991), was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXI for the Green Bay Packers. The other name is Eddie George. The 1995 Heisman winner from Ohio State scored a couple of touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, but in a loss, to the St. Louis Rams.

Aside from those two players, we've seen the other 18 Heisman winners have limited access to big stage moments in their careers. Guys like Rashaan Salaam, Chris Weinke, Ricky Williams, Carson Palmer, Troy Smith and Ron Dayne all landed on their feet in the NFL, however, none have played an integral part in getting their team to a conference championship game the way Reggie Bush has this year.

Bush has faced incredible pressure from day one in the NFL. He was the ultimate human highlight film at USC and arrived in New Orleans at a time when a city and a franchise needed a shot of adrenaline on and off the field. As time passed, his game developed a reputation as 'style over substance'. Many around the league questioned his durability. The Saints trotted out power back after power back, hence, limiting Reggie's touches. Reggie always waited patiently for his number to be called. Last Saturday night, that patience paid off. Reggie was responsible for two monster touchdowns which lead to a Saints victory and a trip to the NFC Championship game.

This Sunday we'll all be watching again. Many of us will be pulling for the Saints and the positive vibes this magical season is having on the city of New Orleans. Across the country, you get the sense that past Heisman trophy winners will be watching too. It's only fitting that they will be pulling for their fraternity brother. If all goes according to plan, perhaps this proud member will be hoisting a different trophy on February 7th in Miami. Could he pull off the rare double play? From Heisman winner to Super Bowl Champion? That's one reputation Reggie Bush would be very proud of.