DENVER -- Reggie Bush won't get to wear the No. 5 he made famous at USC for the New Orleans Saints.

Not this season and perhaps not ever.

Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday that the committee had recommended against Bush's request for his college number.

The decision was made by the committee after two conference calls. It was never discussed by the owners.

"Nobody is comfortable that an exception be made to the policy and no one is confident that there will ever be a change," McKay said at the NFL owners meetings, adding that it might come up again, but certainly not until after the 2006 season has started.

Under NFL rules, running backs are required to wear numbers between 20 and 49. Since 1973, the only major change was made last year, when receivers were given permission to wear numbers in the teens because teams were running out of 80s due in large part to an increase in receivers and tight ends on rosters.

Bush, chosen second overall by New Orleans in April's draft, wore No. 5 at Southern California and had asked the NFL to make an exception. McKay said the committee also had requests from other players to wear numbers normally not allowed for their positions.

"Obviously, I am disappointed by today's decision but I respect the NFL competition committee's judgment," Bush said. "The No. 5 is special to me, but with the proceeds from the jersey sales I was also trying to do something special for the city of New Orleans and the entire region.

"We have not decided which number I will wear for this coming season, but that decision will come soon."

Bush's second choice appears to be 25, currently worn by veteran special teamer Fred McAfee, who has indicated he would be willing to give it -- or sell it -- to Bush.

-- The Associated Press