The Surprising Sport That Became Reggie Bush’s Secret Weapon for Strength Post-NFL

If you know anything about football, you’ve undoubtedly heard the name Reggie Bush. He’s often remembered as one of the most electrifying collegiate players to ever hit the field, racking up over 2,218 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns in a single season, earning him a Heisman Trophy in the process. A year later, in 2006, he was drafted No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints and went on to play nearly 11 seasons in the NFL, making his mark with teams like the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and more.

Since retiring in 2017, Bush has shifted his focus to family, the golf course, and advocating for college athletes to be recognized as employees, not just players. He’s even teamed up with TravisMathew, a golf brand pushing the boundaries of course style with sleek, versatile apparel designed for both performance and everyday wear.

"I didn't actually play golf while I was in the NFL," Bush says. "It wasn't until about year nine that I picked up the golf clubs, and fell in love with it right away. I was out there with some of my teammates, former college buddies. We were competing, talking trash, you know, betting money, and all these different things. And it really opened up my eyes to the sport."

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Golf has become a major part of Bush’s routine. These days, instead of grinding through drills in preparation for game day, he’s spending slower mornings out on the course. But don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you—he approaches golf with the same intensity and drive he brought to the NFL. His competitive edge? Still razor sharp.

According to Bush, golfing has become more than just a weekend hobby, though—it’s a key part of his wellness routine. While his body isn't going through quite the same wear and tear as it did in the NFL, the demands on his core and legs keep him in shape. 

"Once I retired, I got a membership at a local country club and started working on my game and practicing, which has led me to a place of health. Because in golf, you know, you need stability, you need to have a strong core, you need to have strong legs to be able to walk 18 holes."

Bush says golf has even been healing in its own way—helping him manage lingering injuries from his NFL days.

"When you play football, there are a lot of injuries that we go through and that we have to deal with, and the injuries don't stop when you're retired; they actually get worse," he says. "Because I've been playing golf, I'm staying in shape and, you know, staying healthy and strong, I don't feel them as much."