Hall of Fame
Position: Defensive Tackle
Years: 1978-1981
Place of Birth: Kosse, TX
Date of Birth: Oct. 31, 1959
Jersey Number: 77
Height: 6-6
Weight: 265
High School: Groesbeck HS (Groesbeck, TX)
Kenneth Sims was so dominant in 1981 that he became Texas' first-ever winner of the Lombardi Award… despite being sidelined following the ninth game of the season due to injury. The Groesbeck, Texas, native becomes the 20th Longhorn player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame
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 were a then-school record. He also led Texas to four wins over top 15 teams during 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. The two-time team MVP boasts the Longhorn record with 15 career forced fumbles. On the Texas career charts, Sims ranks fourth in sacks (29), fifth in fumble recoveries (seven) and ninth in tackles for loss (50). 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 has participated in numerous letterman functions. He is also an annual volunteer for the Grays Harbor Football Camp, a free youth event. Now retired, Sims resides in Round Rock, Texas.
