Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions star running back Reggie Bush had the second-best season of his career this past season, as he reached over 1,000 rushing yards for only the second time in his career (his first was in 2011 with the Miami Dolphins). He also caught 54 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns, and he added four touchdowns on the ground to go with 1,066 total yards on the ground. Bush averaged 4.5 yards per carry, 71.9 rushing yards per game, and he and Joique Bell formed one of the best running back duos in the NFL. Both players and the Lions offensive line gave the team an excellent rushing attack, and both Bush and Bell are among the league’s elite pass-catching backs and gave plenty of help to Matthew Stafford in the passing game.
Bush, who is currently 28, is signed through the 2017 season and will be 31 when his contract runs out in three years.Running backs, as we all know, have a short shelf-life in this league, but Bush’s all-purpose ability could help him stick around in this league for longer. Then again, he’s also a few big hits and sapped speed and agility away from being on the shelf once he’s 30. But Bush is also a lot tougher than some people give him credit for, and I wouldn’t bet against his goal of playing in the league for five more years.
He told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio on PFT Live that he plans on playing in the league for at least another five seasons, “I feel good at this point, obviously I’m saying that because I’m not getting hit right now. I still feel like I can go, I don’t know how many years left, god willing I can play at least another 5 years. I would love to get at least another five years in.”
It’s an ambitious goal that will have to be taken on a year-to-year basis, but there’s no doubt that I’m rooting for one of the game’s most electrifying playmakers to pull the feat. Buffalo Bills underrated back Fred Jackson has defied age, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bush follows suit while with the Lions organization (and perhaps beyond them if the Lions choose not to keep him after the 2016 season).