Reggie Bush wasn't aware that there isn't one New Orleans Saints player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
When he found out yesterday, he paused for a moment.
"Hopefully, we can get some in there," he said.
This weekend, the Saints head to Canton , Ohio , to open the NFL pre-season in the Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reggie Bush intends to check out exhibits covering some of the running backs enshrined there now, notably Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Gale Sayers.
Reggie Bush readily declares that he expects to be recognized alongside them one day. While it's far too early to say whether he'll succeed, his coaches, teammates and fans are energized by the prospect of Reggie Bush building on his highlight-filled rookie season.
"It's hard to miss the excitement that's around him," Saints linebacker Scott Fujita said. "Everywhere I go the first thing people ask me is: 'Do you know Reggie Bush? Are you friends with him? Do you hang out with him? Can you get me his autograph?'
"That's all they talk about."
The 2005 Heisman Trophy winner and second overall draft choice in 2006 needed nearly half a season to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Reggie Bush didn't score his first offensive touchdown until his ninth game. He scored nine touchdowns in his last seven games, the last a zigzagging, 88-yard reception, topped off by a somersault over the goal line, in the NFC championship game at Chicago .
Reggie Bush said he hesitated often during the first half of his rookie season or tried to do too much. This summer, Reggie Bush is practicing both punt and kickoff returns and also has lined up as a wide receiver.
"I don't like to be limited to outside, inside or returning punts or kicks," Reggie Bush said. "I like to do it all."