Kenneth Sims, a 2021 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred as a defensive tackle at Texas from 1978-1981, passed away March 21 after battling an illness. He was 65.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kenneth Sims, a truly dominant force on the field and a cherished member of the Hall of Fame and the greater college football community,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “His legacy as a Longhorn great and College Football Hall of Famer is cemented not only by his remarkable achievements but also by the way he carried himself off the field. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the Longhorn faithful and all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Despite being sidelined following the ninth game of the 1981 season due to injury, Sims was so dominant that he became Texas’ first-ever winner of the Lombardi Award that season.
A two-time First Team All-American, Sims earned unanimous honors as a senior and consensus laurels as a junior. The 1981 UPI Lineman of the Year finished eighth for the Heisman Trophy, receiving three first-place votes. Sims’ 23 tackles for loss that season set a then-school record. He also led Texas to four wins over top 15 teams during his stellar senior campaign, including a 12-tackle performance in a decisive 34-14 win over No. 10 Oklahoma.
The two-time consensus First Team All-Southwest Conference selection led the Longhorns to four consecutive postseason berths, including wins in the 1978 Sun Bowl and the 1982 Cotton Bowl. The 1981 team captain guided Texas to three top 25 finishes: No. 9 in 1978, No. 12 in 1979 and No. 2 in 1981.
Playing at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Sims’ career totals included 322 tackles, 29 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, 15 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks.
The two-time team MVP boasts the Longhorn record with 15 career forced fumbles. On the Texas career charts, Sims ranked fourth in sacks (29), fifth in fumble recoveries (seven), and ninth in tackles for loss (50) at the time of his College Football Hall of Fame induction.
Playing behind fellow College Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael during his first two seasons, Sims shined as a starter during his 1980 and 1981 campaigns, posting 241 tackles, 21 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries during the two-year period.
His other honors include the 1981 Houston Post SWC Defensive MVP Trophy and a 1982 NCAA Today’s Top V Award. Sims was inducted into the University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 1997.
The first overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Sims spent his entire pro career with the franchise from 1982-89. He helped guide the team to an appearance in Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season.
A dedicated supporter of Texas Athletics, Sims participated in numerous letterman functions, becoming a beloved member of the Longhorn Alumni community. He was also an annual volunteer for the Grays Harbor Football Camp, a free youth event.
Born Oct. 31, 1959, in Kosse, Texas, Sims began his career playing at Groesbeck High School in Texas.
Services will be held Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Church in Kosse, Texas. The funeral home will be Robertson Funeral Home in Marlin, Texas.
Recent Comments