Reggie Bush Gives back to Military Families

Helix High School is where it all started for #21, the newly signed Detroit Lion’s running back. Helix is where he ran for over 4,995 yards in his 4 year career, scored over 450 points, and played in the US Army All-American Bowl.

Recently, Reggie Bush came back to his old stomping grounds to hold his 2nd annual camp for children and the children of parents who are serving our country. From Helix Reggie skill propelled him to USC where he continued where he left off by racking up over 6000 all purpose yards, 2 National Championships and earned a the 2nd consecutive Heisman Trophy for USC (QB Matt Leinart won it one year prior). Drafted with the number 2 pick by the Saints in 2006. Bush signed a 4 year contract with the Detroit Lions to play along side WR Calvin Johnson (Megatron) and QB Matthew Stafford. Detroit went 4-12 last season, but things are looking up in the Motor City with the running attack of Bush and aerial attack of Megatron.

Pro Player Insider’s Theresa Villano and Fernando Ramirez were able to catch up with Reggie at his Pro Day Camp .

PPI: How does it feel to be back at your old stomping grounds?

Reggie Bush: “You know what it feels good to be back at my old high school its funny how fast time goes back being here makes remember the old days. My high school reunion is coming up so to be back here I’m appreciative to have all these kids out here and Walmart and Tide sponsored all these kids today. It’s amazing to have all these kids today and its free so they didn’t have to pay. All the coaches helping out are volunteering.”

PPI: Whose one coach that has made an impact in your life?
RB: “One coach well since i’m here at my old high school i’ll start with my old coach Head Coach Gordon Wood had so much to do with my development of my game and me as a person. He is no longer here but he had a great impact on me. My running back Coach Rodriguez Coach Damon Chase, who is the Athletic Director now, he was my trainer and would tape me up.”

PPI: Can you tell us how you ended up a Lion and what your expectations for this season are?
RB: “It was my 1t year being a free agent. I had choices like going back to Miami, Arizona, Seattle, and Atlanta. I felt like the best fit was in Detroit. That team has the best chance and has a win now mindset. I get to play with the best receiver in football, Calvin Johnson, great QB, Matthew Stafford, and awesome receiving core and Tight Ends. It is going to take a team effort to win. When I got there we had a meeting about how it is going to take everyone in the Lions organization to win a Super Bowl. It has to start right now.”

Reggie's Dad (Left) and Brother Jovan Griffin — Reggie’s Dad (Left) and Brother Jovan Griffin

PPI: Reggie ,today is a family affair. Tell us which family members are here today?
RB: “My fiancee, our little girl, my brother, my father, my mom is around here somewhere, a lot of the coaches that where here when I played here, my agent is also here. It’s a good time great event. I went to the Martin Bayless camp when I was a kid I actually help him with his camp when I made it to the NFL. I try and put a smile on kids faces and teach them a thing or two about the game.”

PPI: Whats the 1st thing you do when you come home?
RB: “I go and get rolled tacos. Ask anyone…the 1st thing I do is get an order of rolled tacos.”

PPI: Talk about how it feels to have children from military families here?
RB: “Most of the kids are children whose parents are serving our country and it is great to give them an opportunity to give them a free camp and get something positive out of here today. Their family members are the real heroes for serving our country.”

It can be clearly noted that outside of his career, Bush has a heart for giving back. He has brought character and a humbling personality to youth within each community in which he has lived.

As the 2013-2014 season approaches, Bush is ready to bring his all to the Lion’s organization. Reggie will be a fixture in Detroit’s mission to produce a successful season and will be looking at adding more hardware to his trophy case.

–Fernando Ramierz, Theresa Villano and Fago Franklin