The New Orleans Saints kick off the 2025 NFL season in 83 days against the Arizona Cardinals. As we continue our countdown to kickoff, it's only right to commemorate the day with Reggie Bush's 83-yard punt return touchdown against the Cardinals.
Bush stands out as Saints began their Super Bowl run
The Saints were the NFC's number one seed in 2009 and drew a matchup with the Cardinals in the divisional round. Bush stole the show with his elusiveness, speed and memorable plays. He scored two touchdowns on the day as New Orleans pushed its way to a 45-14 victory.
"Uh oh." That's all the announcer could say as Bush cut upfield. He knew what everyone at home and in the stadium knew. A house call was on the way. It was an exceptionally well blocked play. When Bush planted his foot and started running vertically instead of laterally, no one got a hand on him.
The punter was the only player in front of Bush, and Bush dashed past him with ease. Bush displayed great vision, acceleration and decisiveness on this play.
The Saints were already up 24 points midway through the third quarter. The score pushed the lead to 31 with 22 minutes left in the game.
Bush's rushing touchdown may see it's own highlight on our countdown to kickoff, so for now we'll just call it one of his best runs in a Saints uniform. Bush's punt return touchdown was the final score and genuinely felt like the final dagger in the moment.
It's easy to forget Bush was such a talented punt returner in his younger days. The year prior, he led the league with three punt return touchdowns. Oddly enough, this score was the final punt return touchdown Bush ever scored in his career. His 2010 campaign was cut short due to injury. Then Bush was traded to the Dolphins the following season and carried a heavier workload in the running game.