Rookie carries ball and weight
Reggie Bush is asked to lift a downtrodden Saints franchise and a storm-ravaged city. He seems up to the task.
By JOANNE KORTH
Published October 4, 2006
METAIRIE, La. - The competitor in Reggie Bush wanted to be the first overall draft pick. It took one day touring abandoned neighborhoods to understand that was not his destiny.
He belonged in New Orleans.
Bush, the electrifying running back who slipped to the Saints when the Texans selected defensive end Mario Williams at No. 1, has been a gift to a city struggling to recover from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed.
Around here, they call him Saint Reggie.
"I definitely feel like God has a plan for everybody and I'm here now, so it was in His plan to have me here," Bush said. "So far, we've been doing a lot of great things with the community. We've been giving back. We've been helping out.
"I feel like it is meant to be."
Bush is the perfect combination of talent, power and charisma. The former Southern California star and Heisman Trophy winner is the most significant Saints draft pick since quarterback Archie Manning in 1971. But Bush has value beyond his ability to make eye-popping moves and confound defenses.
In New Orleans, Bush has the opportunity to be more than just a football player.
At a May ceremony, the Rev. William Maestri, superintendent of Catholic schools in the New Orleans archdiocese, likened Bush to St. Reginald of Orleans, a 13th-century French saint who helped establish the Dominican order.
"May you be the burning Bush that lights the way of so many," Maestri told Bush. "Above all, I want to thank Houston. ... Texans have once again given to Louisiana, and we are very grateful."
Wary of what he would find, Bush toured New Orleans soon after the April draft. He was stunned to drive past mile after mile of broken-down and deserted homes, the result of flooding in more than 80 percent of the city.
"After Hurricane Katrina and seeing what happened on TV, I didn't know what to expect," said Bush, 21. "Coming from Southern California, we're kind of spoiled out there. And once I got here it was a humbling experience going around and getting a chance to tour the 9th Ward. I knew right then and there I could make a huge difference in the community."
Even before he signed his contract, which reportedly included $26-million in guaranteed money, Bush began giving.
Through Adidas, his shoe and apparel sponsor, Bush donated $56,000 to Holy Rosary School, ensuring 156 special-needs students would not be forced to attend schools ill-equipped to educate teens with learning impediments such as dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder.
Through Pepsi, Bush initiated the "Yard by Yard, Neighborhood by Neighborhood" program to build 25 homes through a donation system linked to the number of yards he gains this season.
As part of Bush's endorsement deal with Hummer, the Slidell, La., police department has the use of 12 vehicles for one year.
Bush personally donated $86,000 to resurface the playing field at Tad Gormley Stadium, which sat for weeks under 4 feet of water. The stadium, used by six area high schools, reopened two weeks ago with a new artificial surface.
A percentage of proceeds from sales of his No. 25 jersey go to Hurricane Katrina relief funds.
Also, Bush established himself as a man of the city. He bought a $1.8-million condominium on the downtown riverfront rather than a spacious home in an outlying bedroom community, as most athletes do.
On the field, Bush has contributed to the Saints' spirit-lifting 3-1 start. Though he has yet to score a touchdown, Bush averages 83.5 yards running and receiving and creates opportunities for teammates.
"I definitely feel like I'm making more of an impact here than I could in Houston," Bush said. "When I see fans, all they talk about is the Saints and how great we are. I tell them I'm looking forward to more wins. I'm excited to be here and playing for New Orleans."