Reggie Bush Won't Encourage Son to Play Football Due to Injuries

Former USC standout and NFL running back Reggie Bush isn't particularly bullish on the idea of his son growing up to play football one day.

"I'm not going to encourage him to play football, but I will definitely support him whatever he does," Bush said, per TMZ Sports.

Bush noted he would be "extremely happy" if his son plays another sport and explained of football "it's not a matter of if you get injured, it's a matter of when."

Despite playing one of the most physically grueling positions as a running back, Bush enjoyed a long career in football.

He was a two-time All-American and the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner at USC and entered the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft. He played five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, two with the Miami Dolphins, two with the Detroit Lions, one with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Buffalo Bills.

Bush notably won Super Bowl XLIV as a member of the Saints and finished with two seasons (2011 on the Dolphins and 2013 on the Lions) of more than 1,000 rushing yards.

Even with the professional and collegiate success and opportunities Bush enjoyed in football, there are clear injury risks involved in the sport, especially as concussion concerns continue to make headlines. Those concerns are particularly poignant when it comes to one's child.