Kenneth Sims, a Longhorn Legend and member of the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 65. Sims, known for his dominant play as a defensive tackle for Texas from 1978-1981, was a force on the Longhorns’ defense, earning multiple All-America honors and accolades. He recorded impressive stats during his time at Texas, including 322 tackles, 29 sacks, and 50 tackles for loss, among others. Sims was also a key player in leading Texas to successful seasons, including a 10-1-1 record in 1981.
His stellar performance at Texas led to Sims being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Sims played eight seasons with the Patriots, contributing to their appearance in Super Bowl XX. Sims finished his professional career with 17 sacks in 74 games.
Sims’ impact went beyond the football field as he also excelled academically and in the community, earning prestigious accolades such as the NCAA Today’s Top V Award. An excerpt from the book “What it Means to Be a Longhorn” highlights Sims’ journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a decorated player at Texas, showcasing his dedication and determination throughout his career. Sims’ legacy as a Longhorn and his contributions to the football program will always be remembered.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
