ESPN REPORTS: Oklahoma Sooners to Erect Monumental Statue at Memorial Stadium in Tribute to Heisman Winner Billy Sims, Honoring His Unmatched Legacy and Unforgettable Impact on Program’s Glory Years

Oklahoma football has long stood as one of college football’s most storied programs, and now the Sooners are taking a momentous step in preserving that legacy with a tribute that will last for generations. According to an exclusive report by ESPN, the University of Oklahoma is preparing to unveil a monumental statue of Billy Sims outside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The tribute is designed to honor the former running back’s electrifying presence on the field, his historic achievements during a golden era of Sooners football, and the enduring impact he’s had on the program’s identity.

Billy Sims, the 1978 Heisman Trophy winner, holds a special place in the hearts of Sooner fans, not only for his on-field brilliance but also for the charisma and enthusiasm he has maintained in support of the university long after his playing days ended. The statue will become the latest addition to Oklahoma’s revered Heisman Park, joining other legends who have helped elevate the Sooners into the national spotlight. Yet, many view the upcoming installation as particularly symbolic—a fitting honor for a player whose style, swagger, and statistical dominance helped define an era of Oklahoma football excellence.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Hooks, Texas, Sims arrived in Norman in the mid-1970s as a raw but promising talent. His early years were plagued by injuries, casting doubt on whether he could reach the potential recruiters saw in him. But after recovering from those early setbacks, Sims exploded onto the college football scene in 1978, carving his name into NCAA history books with a breathtaking combination of power, speed, vision, and balance. That season, he rushed for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the nation in rushing while guiding the Sooners to an 11-1 record and a berth in the Orange Bowl.

What made Sims truly unforgettable wasn’t just the numbers, though they were remarkable. It was the way he compiled them. With every carry, Sims seemed to glide across the field as if propelled by something greater—his cuts were so sudden, his bursts so powerful, that defenders were often left grasping at air. He turned routine plays into highlight-reel runs, and in doing so, gave the Oklahoma faithful something to cheer about at a time when expectations in Norman were always sky-high. He was the engine of Barry Switzer’s wishbone offense and the heartbeat of a team that carried national championship aspirations.

The Heisman voters took notice. Sims won the award over Chuck Fusina of Penn State and Rick Leach of Michigan, becoming the sixth Sooner to receive the honor and further cementing Oklahoma’s tradition of elite backfield play. His Heisman speech was characteristically humble, thanking his teammates, coaches, and especially the offensive line that paved the way for his success. That humility and appreciation for his teammates would follow Sims throughout his life, endearing him to fans and former players alike.

Sims would go on to have another exceptional season in 1979, rushing for 1,670 yards and 22 touchdowns and narrowly missing a second Heisman Trophy—a feat only Archie Griffin has accomplished. He finished his college career with 4,118 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns, becoming Oklahoma’s all-time leading rusher at the time. His records stood for years, and even as newer generations of Sooners stars came and went, Sims remained a benchmark against which all were measured.

It wasn’t just his on-field performance that made Sims a legend in Norman. It was his presence. Whether at games, practices, or community events, Sims never drifted far from the Oklahoma football family. He could often be found on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium, his booming voice and signature “BOOMER!” chant ringing out as he embraced fans, players, and coaches. He became an ambassador for the university and its athletic program, always carrying the pride of being a Sooner with him wherever he went.

The statue, according to ESPN’s report, will be crafted by world-renowned sculptor Blair Buswell, who has previously created likenesses of other Heisman winners and NFL legends. It will depict Sims in his iconic running pose, helmet tilted forward, eyes scanning the field, legs driving with unstoppable force. The design aims to capture not just a physical likeness, but the energy and emotion that Sims brought to every snap of the ball.

The project has been years in the making, with discussions between the university, Sims, and key donors beginning as early as 2022. Athletic director Joe Castiglione expressed immense pride in finally bringing the vision to life, stating that the statue serves not only as a tribute to Billy Sims but as a reminder of the standard of excellence Oklahoma football aspires to. “Billy represents the spirit of what it means to be a Sooner,” Castiglione said. “His story—his determination, his humility, his greatness—is something we want future generations to remember and be inspired by. This statue is more than bronze. It’s a legacy cast in stone.”

Head coach Brent Venables, who has worked to blend Oklahoma’s rich history with a renewed focus on the future, echoed those sentiments. “I tell our guys all the time that they’re walking in the footsteps of giants. Billy Sims is one of those giants. He helped lay the foundation for what Oklahoma football is all about. Effort, toughness, loyalty. I hope every player that walks past that statue before entering the stadium feels that.”

Indeed, the statue’s placement near Heisman Park is both symbolic and strategic. It will stand alongside the statues of other Sooner Heisman winners, including Jason White, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray. The park has become a pilgrimage site for fans visiting Norman, a living museum of greatness that now, finally, will include one of the program’s most beloved and influential figures.

For Sims, the honor is both humbling and emotional. In a statement to ESPN, he said, “This is a dream come true. I never imagined when I was a kid in Texas that my face would be cast in bronze in front of one of the greatest stadiums in college football. I’m grateful to God, my family, my teammates, Coach Switzer, and all the fans who supported me through the years. This isn’t just my statue—it’s for all of us.”

The unveiling is scheduled for later this year, likely during a home game with significant historical resonance. Plans include a halftime ceremony, video tributes from former teammates and coaches, and the presence of Sims himself to deliver remarks. Thousands are expected to attend, with many former Sooners and national media outlets already confirming their intention to be part of the celebration.

The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. As Oklahoma prepares for its first full season in the SEC, the Sooners are leaning heavily on their tradition and identity as they navigate the shifting tides of college football. Amid NIL debates, conference realignments, and playoff expansions, the statue serves as an anchor—a visible, tangible reminder of what makes Oklahoma football special. In a sport where change is constant, legacy remains the one unchanging truth.

The university’s decision to honor Sims also comes at a time when programs across the country are reexamining how they celebrate their icons. Statues, naming rights, and commemorative ceremonies have become popular ways to connect the past with the present, ensuring that legends are not lost to time. For Oklahoma, this moment has been a long time coming, and few figures are more deserving of such recognition than Billy Sims.

Beyond Norman, the news has resonated deeply with the broader college football community. Analysts, former players, and coaches have praised the decision, pointing to Sims as one of the most dynamic backs the sport has ever seen. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called Sims “a generational talent whose influence transcended the box score.” Paul Finebaum described him as “the kind of player you never forget—equal parts thunder and lightning.”

Sims’ post-football journey also adds depth to his legacy. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, he made an immediate impact in the professional ranks, earning Rookie of the Year honors and becoming a three-time Pro Bowl selection. His NFL career was cut short by a devastating knee injury, but even in a shortened stint, Sims left a mark, rushing for over 5,000 yards and 42 touchdowns in just five seasons.

Following his retirement, Sims transitioned into entrepreneurship and community service. He became the face of Billy Sims BBQ, a restaurant franchise with locations across the country, all of which proudly feature Oklahoma memorabilia and tributes to his career. More importantly, he has been a mentor to countless young athletes, regularly speaking to schools and youth programs about perseverance, faith, and leadership.

To this day, he remains one of the most visible and vocal supporters of Oklahoma athletics, and his presence continues to be a rallying force for Sooner Nation. Whether signing autographs at spring games or firing up the crowd during rivalry week, Sims embodies the passion and pride that define OU football.

Now, with the unveiling of his statue, that presence becomes permanent. It becomes a landmark, a destination, a story in bronze. For fans who grew up watching him run wild across the Big Eight Conference, it’s a long-overdue thank you. For younger fans, it’s a lesson in history and greatness.

Billy Sims didn’t just play for Oklahoma—he became Oklahoma. He personified the speed, the strength, the showmanship, and the heart that have made the Sooners a national powerhouse for decades. His statue won’t just stand for who he was, but for everything he represented—and still represents.

As ESPN’s report makes clear, this is more than a tribute. It is a celebration of a man who gave everything he had to a program that continues to carry his spirit. And when the curtain is pulled back and the statue is revealed, the cheers that erupt in Memorial Stadium will not be for a figure frozen in time. They will be for a living legend, a Sooner forever.