Reggie Bush: Career At A Crossroads

The fact that I am even writing an article about a 23-year old running back's career being at a crossroads shows the amazing talent this running back has, and the unbelievably high expectations we have set for him.

In 2006, Reggie Bush was the most highly touted player entering the NFL Draft in recent memory. Analysts, coaches and scouts alike were nearly certain that Reggie Bush was going to be the next superstar running back in the NFL.

Bush's athleticism along with his uncanny football instincts made him into the type of running back that comes along maybe once in a generation. Some analysts and commentators were going so far as to say that Reggie Bush was the best college running back they had ever seen.

Bush had a decent rookie season in 2006. But the words 'decent' and 'Reggie Bush' are not normally included in the same sentence. Anyhow, people gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was young, and it was his first season in the NFL. Also, he had some off-field issues that could have been weighing on his mind. The issue was Bush was being investigating for violating NCAA rules by accepting monetary gifts for he and his family from marketing agents while he was still at USC.

Everyone was ready for Reggie Bush to have a breakout year in the 2007 season. He had a year in the NFL under his belt and people were looking for that Reggie Bush they had watched with amazement at USC.

That didn't happen.

Although Bush did have some injury problems this past season, he didn't perform nearly as well as was expected of him.

In 2007 Reggie Bush ran for only 581 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. His longest run of the season was 22 yards - a run Bush used to make with great regularity while at USC. Bush also had eight fumbles, while only scoring four touchdowns.

Throughout his first two seasons, Bush has run for 1,146 yards with 10 touchdowns. These were the type of stats that were expected of Reggie Bush this past season, not as a combination of his first two seasons in the NFL.

This upcoming season is vitally important for Reggie Bush. He is only 23 years old and has been in the league for just two seasons, but expectations are rightfully high for this unbelievably talented running back.

After his first season, fans gave him the benefit of the doubt. Over the course of last season we began to hear rumblings about how Reggie Bush might not be as good as everyone expected. If Reggie Bush does not have a breakout season in 2008, he could be labeled as the bust of the 2006 draft. That pressure of being labeled as a huge disappointment could be more than the young running back can handle.

On the other hand, Bush could have a real breakout year in 2008. If that is the case, his first two disappointing seasons would be all but forgotten.

Reggie Bush's young NFL career has truly come to a cross roads in 2008.