McAfee Gives Reggie Bush No. 25

The suspense surrounding what jersey number Reggie Bush will be flashing with the New Orleans Saints has been decided - and the No. 5 is involved.

The Saints' first-round pick will be wearing No. 25 during his first season with the team.

Reggie Bush has said he will donate 25 percent of his jersey royalties to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Fred McAfee agreed to give it up the number in lieu of half of the 25 percent of what the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner earns through jersey sales.

In turn, McAfee will take that money and donate it to a charity of his choice.

The NFL Competition Committee decided earlier this week not to change the rule to allow running backs to wear numbers other than 20 through 49.

Reggie Bush wore No. 5 when he was in high school and at USC. The running back donned the jersey during the Saints' rookie mini-camp in Metairie and at a football-card photo shoot in Los Angeles earlier this month.

"To have worn the No. 5 was my first preference, but now the most important thing is to continue to raise awareness and proceeds for the victims of the hurricane," Reggie Bush said. "I've visited areas that have been affected and seen what they have gone through.

"Despite initially being disappointed, to wear 25 will help keep everyone aware of their struggles. And I thank Fred for making it available."

McAfee, a special-teams guru, had No. 25 on his back for eight of his nine years with the Saints. He'll now wear No. 32.

"With this deal, many more people can benefit from the sale of the jersey," said McAfee. "This allows me many more options to help more people. I'm from Mississippi, which was also hit hard by the hurricane.

"And I consider New Orleans my home.

"I look forward to donating my part of the proceeds to charities. And I think Reggie should be commended for making that commitment."

To Read More of This Article, Click Here

More Top Stories for ReggieBushOnline.com

06/14/06 - Reggie Bush Planning Refurbishment for Gormley

06/07/06 - For Saints and Fans, the Reggie Bush Era Is a Sign Of Hope

06/03/06 - Even At Full Speed, Reggie Bush Can't Elude Reggie-Mania

06/02/06 - Saint Reginald - Reggie Bush

March
•Reggie Bush Vows to Focus on Football

February
•Bush teams with Shaq to host All-Star charity event
•Dog thinks 2 $900 Super Bowl tickets tasty treat
•Boonton man scores big with Super Bowl tickets
•Dog thinks 2 $900 Super Bowl tickets tasty treat

Super Bowl Weekend
•OK!'s Guide to the Super Bowl Parties
•"Hannah" primed to claim Super Bowl weekend
•Paris Hilton, Ludacris party alongside 50 Cent at pre-game Super Bowl concert

January
•Reggie Bush Engaged to Kim Kardashian?

December
•Eagles vs. Saints Preview 12/23/07
•Bush Hoping to Play Against Eagles 12/18/07
•Cardinals 24, Saints 31
•Bush Out For the Year 12/12/07
•Falcons 14, Saints 34 12/10/07
•Falcons vs. Saints Preview 12/10/07
•Buccaneers 27, Saints 23 12/02/07
•Buccaneers vs. Saints Preview 12/02/07


•2007 News
•2006 News
•2005 News