San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush hasn't completed a full 16-game season since 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, and is coming off a season-ending knee injury that he suffered after slipping on concrete at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Bush is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and while it seems unlikely he will return in San Francisco, he plans to play somewhere next season.
"I'm not retiring," said Bush, via the Detroit Free Press. "I'm still playing. No, I'm not done. And I would never - knock on wood - I never want to end my career like that, going out like that." Bush only played in five games for the 49ers this past season due to injuries and managed only eight carries for 28 yards.
The former second overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft has struggled to stay on the field throughout his 10-year NFL career, and has only completed a full 16-game season twice in his career. Bush could be a target for teams in need of a third down passing running back, as he has proven throughout his career to be a viable pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Bush has 470 receptions for 3,508 yards and has 18 receiving touchdowns over the course of his career. Longevity in the NFL is difficult for all players, and Bush knows that firsthand as his former teammate, Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, is contemplating retirement after nine seasons in the league.
Some NFL teams may have interest in Bush as free agent this offseason, but it's likely his next contract will be incentive laden, as teams will want him to earn his contract by contributing on the field and staying healthy.
