It is with a heavy heart that the Texas Longhorn community and the wider college football world acknowledge the passing of Kenneth Sims, a true legend of the game and a revered member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Sims, a dominant defensive tackle who terrorized opposing offenses for the Longhorns from 1978 to 1981, died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 65, after battling an illness.1 His passing leaves a significant void, but his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in college football history will undoubtedly endure.
Born on October 31, 1959, in Kosse, Texas, Kenneth Wayne Sims grew into a formidable presence on the football field.2 Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds during his playing days at Texas, he possessed an rare combination of size, strength, and quickness that made him nearly unblockable.3 He joined the Longhorns as a freshman in 1978 and immediately made an impact, playing behind fellow College Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael for his first two seasons.4
It was during his junior and senior campaigns in 1980 and 1981 that Sims truly ascended to legendary status. In 1980, he recorded an astounding 131 tackles, earning consensus All-America and first-team All-Southwest Conference honors.5 He followed that breakout season with an even more dominant senior year in 1981, despite battling an injury that sidelined him after the ninth game.6 Even with a shortened season, Sims was so impactful that he became the first Longhorn ever to win the prestigious Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation’s top lineman.7 He was also voted the UPI Lineman of the Year and finished a remarkable eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting, receiving three first-place votes – an extraordinary achievement for a defensive lineman.8
Sims’ statistics from his time at Texas paint a picture of utter dominance. His career totals include an incredible 322 tackles, 29 sacks (ranking fourth all-time at Texas at the time of his Hall of Fame induction), 50 tackles for loss (ninth all-time), 15 forced fumbles (still a Longhorn record), seven fumble recoveries (fifth all-time), and three blocked kicks.9 He was a two-time consensus First Team All-American and a two-time team MVP, becoming the first Longhorn since Chris Gilbert to earn consecutive MVP honors.10
Beyond the individual accolades, Sims was a cornerstone of successful Texas teams. He led the Longhorns to four consecutive postseason appearances, including victories in the 1978 Sun Bowl and the 1982 Cotton Bowl. The 1981 team, under his leadership, achieved a 10-1-1 record and finished the season ranked No. 2 nationally by The Associated Press, their best year-end ranking since 1970.11 Memorable performances from that season include a 12-tackle outing in a decisive 34-14 victory over arch-rival No. 10 Oklahoma, and a crucial role in wins against No. 14 Miami and No. 8 SMU.
Sims’ collegiate excellence led to him being selected as the first overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.12 He was only the third Longhorn to be selected No. 1 overall, following the legendary Tommy Nobis (1966) and Earl Campbell (1978). He spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Patriots (1982-1989), helping them reach Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season.13 While his professional career was impacted by injuries and personal struggles, he still contributed significantly, logging 65 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries during that Super Bowl season.
After his playing career, Kenneth Sims remained a beloved figure within the Longhorn family. He was inducted into the University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 1997, further cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats.14 In 2021, his extraordinary collegiate achievements were recognized with the ultimate honor: induction into the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame. This recognition underscored his profound impact on the sport and his enduring legacy. He was known for his jovial spirit and his continued dedication to Texas Athletics, participating in numerous letterman functions and remaining a cherished member of the alumni community.15 He also dedicated his time to charitable endeavors, including volunteering for a free youth football event, the Grays Harbor Football Camp.16
The news of his passing brought an outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the football world. The National Football Foundation, in a statement, expressed deep sadness, with Chairman Archie Manning remarking, “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.” The University of Texas Athletics also released a statement, calling him a “Longhorn Legend” and extending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and former teammates.
Kenneth Sims will forever be remembered as a dominant force, a game-wrecker who revolutionized the defensive tackle position at the collegiate level. His blend of power and athleticism was ahead of its time, and he set a standard for defensive excellence that few have matched. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he was a respected teammate and a beloved member of the Texas community. His passing is a somber reminder of the fleeting nature of life, but his immense contributions to the game of football, and particularly to the rich history of the Texas Longhorns, will continue to inspire generations of players and fans. The Longhorn faithful will mourn his loss, but they will also forever celebrate the remarkable life and career of Kenneth Sims, a true legend gone too soon.
