Vince Young Reveals Real Reason He Refused To Accept 2005 Heisman Trophy After NCAA Stripped It From Reggie Bush

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Vince Young still refuses to claim the 2005 Heisman Trophy. The former Texas quarterback finished second to Reggie Bush that year. Years later, the Heisman Trust offered him the award after Bush was stripped of it for NCAA violations.

Young said no without hesitation. In a new exclusive interview with BroBible, he explained the decision clearly. He believes Bush earned it fair and square on the field and the hardware belongs to him.

"A lot of people be like, ‘Vince, you should have took the Heisman,'" Young said. "But in my mind, and the way I'm raised, he beat me fair and square. He won it, and that trophy belongs to him."

The 2005 race featured two of the most electric players in college football. Bush dominated as a running back at USC. Young put up massive numbers while leading Texas. Voters chose Bush by a clear margin (784 first-place votes to Young's 79).

One month later, the two met in the Rose Bowl for the national championship. Young delivered one of the greatest performances in title-game history. He recorded 467 total yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner on fourth down.

Texas won the game. Young still never viewed the Heisman as something he could simply claim years afterward.

Vince Young Puts Respect Above the Trophy

Young made the choice personal. He wanted Bush to know the respect ran both ways. The two stars battled hard but developed mutual admiration after the final whistle.

"It's the respect that I have for Reggie. He's one of the best running backs I've ever seen in my life," Young said. "And when I had the opportunity to meet him in person, he was even a better person."

He added that he and his family still see Bush as the rightful 2005 winner. The runner-up finish never changed how Young felt about the competition that season.

Bush has shared the same story multiple times. He recalled Young telling the Heisman Trust, "That's Reggie's trophy." The gesture still moves the former USC star years later.

Vince Young Stands by His Decision Years Later

Young could have accepted the trophy and settled an old score. Instead, he chose integrity over hardware. That decision continues to define how people remember both players.

The former NFL quarterback had a strong mindset that still draws praise decades after the fact. He remains consistent in his praise for Bush as both a competitor and a person. Vince Young continues to show the kind of class that lasts longer than any trophy.

The post Vince Young Reveals Real Reason He Refused To Accept 2005 Heisman Trophy After NCAA Stripped It From Reggie Bush originally published on Total Pro Sports.

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