Johnny Manziel Praises Return of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy: 'You Deserve It'

After the Heisman Trust reportedly agreed to return Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy on Wednesday, the former USC star running back received support from another Heisman winner.

Johnny Manziel took to social media to praise the Heisman Trust for its decision and offer some kind words to Bush, saying, "You deserve it."

Manziel had declared last month that he would no longer attend Heisman Trophy ceremonies until Bush's award was returned to him. Manziel, the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, also said on Shannon Sharpe's podcast Club Shay Shay that he believed the NCAA's decision was hypocritical in the wake of the new NIL rules that allow college athletes to be compensated.

"What Reggie did then is legal now that somebody could do, right?" Manziel said. "It wouldn't make him ineligible now, even though it did at the time. And in the grand scheme of things, I probably did way worse than Reggie."

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that the Heisman Trust is planning to announce a formal "reinstatement" of Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy on Wednesday amid what it called "enormous changes in the college football landscape."

Bush was forced to forfeit his Heisman Trophy in 2010 following unprecedented sanctions levied against USC for multiple violations, which included Bush receiving improper benefits while he attended the university from 2003 to 2005.

Not only will Bush be receiving his trophy, but a replica will also be sent to USC. The 39-year-old will also get to participate in future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, starting with the 2024 season.

"Personally, I'm thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I'm honored to return to the Heisman family," Bush said in a statement. "I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization."