“I’d made up my mind I was coming to Texas. It was cold that weekend, bitter cold, and I didn’t own a coat back then. I asked Coach Akers if I could get No. 77, and he said, ‘I think we can arrange that. You’re easy.’”
The Longhorns just lost a giant, and the weight of it crushes Texas football. He dominated offenses as a defensive lineman, made history as the program’s first Lombardi Award winner, and nearly pulled off the unthinkable—contending for a Heisman as a lineman. The New England Patriots recognized his talent and drafted him first overall in 1982. For eight seasons, he was a force in the trenches, haunting quarterbacks and running backs. On Saturday, that legendary presence left this world. And Texas fans don’t just feel this loss—they carry it.
Born on October 31, 1959, in Kosse, Texas, Kenneth Sims grew up in a small town but played the game with a presence too big to ignore. At Groesbeck High School, he initially lined up as a linebacker, fullback, and tight end before finding his true calling on the defensive line. When he arrived at the University of Texas, he had to wait his turn behind future Hall of Famer Steve McMichael, but when his time came, Sims became an unstoppable force.
Sims made history by becoming Texas’ first-ever Lombardi Award winner in 1981, recognizing him as the best lineman in college football. That season, he dominated with 131 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. His performances were so overwhelming that he even received Heisman Trophy votes—an almost unheard-of honor for a defensive lineman.
His former teammate, John Sibley Butler, shared his grief on social media, writing, “Kenneth Sims passed today. My friend since recruitment. CFHoF, 1st pick in NFL draft, 1982, Outland Trophy. Created endowment for Women Ath. The best Basket Team ever at Texas were football players. Scored over 100pts a game running clock time. RIP.”
Legends don’t fade—they carve a legacy too deep to erase. And Texas football lost Kenneth Sims as he passed in his sleep after battling an illness, but his impact remains intact. His name graces the College Football Hall of Fame for a reason – Sims’ domination was unparalleled. Throughout four seasons, he wreaked havoc on offenses, amassing 322 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, and a Texas-record 15 forced fumbles. He excelled in all facets of the game, from blocking kicks to recovering fumbles and making game-changing plays.
Kenneth Sims passed today. My friend since recruitment. CFHoF, 1st pick in NFL draft, 1982, Outland Trophy. Created endowment for Women Ath. The best Basket Team ever at Texas were football players. Scored over 100pts a game running clock time. RIP pic.twitter.com/O2zZ6z24wY
— John Sibley Butler (@JohnSibButler) March 22, 2025
The New England Patriots saw what Texas fans already knew—Sims was special. In 1982, they made him the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, making him the third Longhorn ever to be taken at No. 1. His professional career spanned eight seasons with the Patriots, during which he played 74 games, recording 17 sacks.
Sims was a key figure in the Patriots’ 1985 Super Bowl campaign, registering 5.5 sacks that season. New England advanced to Super Bowl XX, where Sims faced off against the legendary Chicago Bears defense led by his former Texas teammate, Steve McMichael.
Though injuries limited his longevity in the NFL, Sims’ contributions never went unnoticed. He was named to the 1982 All-Rookie Team and was widely respected for his toughness in the trenches.
The Patriots paid tribute to their former star, stating, “Kenneth Sims was a key part of our franchise’s history, and we mourn the loss of a great competitor and teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Well, Kenneth Sims’ influence extended beyond the field as his dominance earned him the NCAA Today’s Top V Award (now the Top 10 Award) for not only Sims’ football skills but also for his leadership in academics and the community. He didn’t just participate in the sport; he raised its standards. Today, Texas football continues Sims’ legacy, acknowledging the loss of not just a legend but a fundamental part of its essence.
Texas fans mourn over the huge loss
Legends may leave, but their legacy lives forever- not only as a symbol of excellence but also as a lesson in persistence. Every Texas fan and the entire football community recognizes the impact Kenneth Sims had on the sport. What many may not realize is the deeper message he left behind – a testament that true greatness encompasses not only dominance but also resilience. And this fan isn’t just mourning the legacy Kenneth Sims left behind. George Foreman’s loss stings just as much as he says, “Sad day as we mourn a couple of Texas sports legends, Kenneth Sims and George Foreman.”
Now, it wasn’t all straight for Sims. Sims faced challenges along the way, with injuries attempting to impede his progress, yet he never wavered. Despite setbacks, he persevered, managing to complete a full 16-game season in his third year – a feat his body allowed only once. Even in 1985, when he played in just 13 games, he achieved his most impressive statistical season. That’s not just talent—that’s a warrior’s mindset. No wonder this fan remembers Sims saying, “RIP Kenneth Sims. One of the all-time Texas Greats. ”
And it’s not only the fans who are feeling the impact of his absence. The entire football community has been affected. Stories Man Cave host Shawn Clynch also expressed his emotions on X, offering not only prayers and condolences to Kenneth Sims’ family but also paying tribute to the contributions Sims made to the game. His influence extended well beyond the field, and Clynch ensured that the world will always remember that, stating,
“RIP Kenneth Sims, a humble legend. A heart of gold. His sense of humor, off the charts. A Groesbeck Goat & was 1 of the best D-lineman in college The Pats made Kenny the #1 pick in the ‘82 NFL draft after becoming UT’s 1st Lombardi Trophy winner. for the Sims family.”
Even this fan can’t help but talk about everything that makes Kenneth Sims not just special but also someone who’s not a follower but a trendsetter. As they say, “We mourn the passing of Kenneth Sims, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, who died at 65. A dedicated player, Sims spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, appearing in 74 games. His legacy in football will be remembered.” With that, may this legendary soul rest in peace.
The post “RIP”: Longhorns Fans in Mourning as Texas Football Legend and Former No.1 Pick Dies at 65 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
