In a surprising move, former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has announced that he will be boycotting the annual Heisman Trophy ceremony until former USC star Reggie Bush gets his trophy back from the NCAA. Manziel expressed his concerns, stating that it doesn't align with his morals and values that Bush is unable to be recognized on the prestigious stage every year.

Taking to social media, Manziel posted on X, "After careful thought and consideration, I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn't sit right with my morals and values that he can't be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy. Do the RIGHT thing @NCAA the ball is in your court."

This is not the first time Manziel has voiced his support for Bush. In August, he acknowledged the similarities between their situations, stating, "The only difference between my story and Reggie's is that my 'illegal activities' did not start until after my Heisman season."

Reggie Bush, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, was forced to return his trophy and USC was hit with severe sanctions after an NCAA investigation found that Bush and his family received impermissible benefits. These benefits included cash, a rent-free home, and travel expenses from prospective agents.

USC faced a two-year ban from postseason play, the loss of 30 scholarships, and the forced vacation of 14 wins, including their 2004 BCS national title. The Heisman Trust has stated that they would return the 2005 trophy to Bush if the NCAA reinstated him. However, the NCAA has refused to do so, even after implementing the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.

In 2021, when the NCAA announced that athletes could earn income from their name, image, and likeness, Bush expressed his belief that he won the Heisman Trophy solely because of his hard work and dedication on the field. He demanded that his records be reinstated.

In response to the NCAA's allegations of a "pay-for-play type arrangement," Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the governing body in August 2023. The NCAA filed a motion to dismiss in November.

Reggie Bush, who had an illustrious career at USC, rushed for 3,169 yards, caught 95 passes for 1,301 yards, and scored 43 touchdowns in three seasons. After retiring from the NFL in 2017 following an 11-year career, Bush joined Fox as a college football analyst. However, he was not brought back after the 2022 season.

Johnny Manziel's decision to boycott the Heisman Trophy ceremony until Reggie Bush's trophy is restored has added to the growing pressure on the NCAA to reconsider its stance. The controversy surrounding Bush's case continues to be a topic of debate, with supporters rallying behind him for his contributions to college football.