Kenneth Sims, a Longhorn legend and member of the College Football Hall of Fame, died at age 65.

The passing of Kenneth Sims, a towering figure in college football and a beloved icon of the University of Texas Longhorns, marks the end of an era for Texas football. Sims, a legend on the field and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans, players, and coaches. His death on March 23, 2025, stunned the football community, but his impact on the University of Texas and the sport of college football is indelible.

Sims’ legacy is not just measured by the statistics he compiled, the accolades he earned, or the championship trophies he helped bring to Texas. It is measured by the way he inspired an entire generation of players and how he helped redefine the defensive line position in the college football landscape. His life and career serve as a testament to what hard work, dedication, and passion for the game can achieve.

Early Life and High School Stardom

Born on September 19, 1959, in Houston, Texas, Kenneth Sims grew up in a football-crazy state, where the sport was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life. From a young age, Sims displayed an athletic prowess that would later define his career. Growing up in the heart of Texas, he was surrounded by talent and steeped in the rich traditions of the game. By the time he enrolled at Lee High School in Houston, Sims was already an emerging star, dominating the football field with his combination of strength, speed, and agility.

At Lee High School, Sims played both on the offensive and defensive lines, showcasing his versatility and exceptional skill set. His ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback and control the line of scrimmage caught the attention of college scouts around the country. The accolades piled up during his high school years, and it was clear that Sims was destined for greatness.

Sims’ high school career culminated in being named an All-State defensive lineman, an honor that marked him as one of the top prospects in the country. By the time he graduated, Sims was ranked among the top recruits in Texas and had numerous offers from prestigious programs across the nation. But for all the offers, it was the University of Texas that stood out to him, as it represented an opportunity to stay close to home while competing at the highest level.

A Star is Born at the University of Texas

Sims committed to play for head coach Fred Akers at Texas, and it didn’t take long for him to make a significant impact on the Longhorns’ football program. Arriving in Austin in the fall of 1977, Sims was a highly regarded defensive tackle prospect who quickly earned a starting role. The Longhorns were entering a competitive era, with powerhouse teams like Oklahoma, Nebraska, and USC dominating the college football landscape, but Sims was ready for the challenge.

As a freshman, Sims showed flashes of brilliance, but it wasn’t until his sophomore season that he truly began to shine. His relentless motor, power, and ability to break through offensive lines became a hallmark of his game. With his 6’5″, 290-pound frame and exceptional quickness, Sims was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.

By his junior season in 1979, Sims was a dominant force on the defensive line. His ability to read offenses, penetrate the line of scrimmage, and disrupt plays made him one of the most feared players in college football. As a key member of the Texas defense, Sims helped lead the Longhorns to a Southwest Conference title and earned All-American honors in 1980.

The 1980 season was particularly special for Sims and the Longhorns. Texas finished the year with an impressive 11-1 record and earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl, where they faced off against the University of Alabama. Though the Longhorns ultimately lost the game, Sims’ performance in the season, particularly his ability to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, solidified his place as one of the premier defensive linemen in the country.

Sims’ standout season didn’t go unnoticed. He was named a First-Team All-American in both 1980 and 1981, the culmination of his hard work and unmatched skill. He was not just a player who excelled on the field; he was a leader in the locker room, known for his drive, discipline, and work ethic. As a junior, Sims declared for the NFL Draft, where he would soon become one of the most highly sought-after defensive prospects.

NFL Draft and Professional Success

After three incredible seasons at Texas, Sims’ career at the university reached its peak in 1982, when he was selected by the New England Patriots with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. The selection was historic for several reasons, not least because Sims became the first-ever defensive lineman to be taken with the top overall pick in the modern era of the NFL Draft.

Sims made an immediate impact in the NFL, as he was exactly the type of game-changing defensive force that the Patriots needed. His combination of size, speed, and technical skill allowed him to become one of the league’s most dominant defensive tackles. For the next decade, Sims terrorized quarterbacks and offensive lines in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.

However, while Sims’ professional career was marked by success, it was his college career at Texas that shaped the way the NFL and college football viewed the defensive line position. Sims was a prototype for the modern defensive tackle—massive but nimble, able to rush the passer and defend the run with equal authority. He was a defensive cornerstone for the Patriots and a key figure in the team’s defense throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Despite a successful professional career, Sims’ heart never left Austin. He remained closely connected to the Longhorns program and continued to support the team in any way he could. His passion for the sport and for Texas football was always evident, and his contributions to the game extended far beyond his playing days.

The Hall of Fame and Legacy

Sims’ legacy in the world of football was cemented in 2009, when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. It was a long-awaited recognition for a player whose impact on college football had been profound. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was not just a reflection of Sims’ extraordinary individual talents, but also a recognition of his role in transforming the defensive line position.

In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Sims reflected on his time at Texas and the people who shaped his career. “Texas gave me the opportunity to showcase what I could do,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “The coaches, the teammates, the fans—it was all about family. I owe everything to this program and this university. It changed my life.”

Sims’ legacy is not confined solely to his individual accolades or statistical accomplishments. Rather, it is the indelible mark he left on his teammates, coaches, and the fans that continues to resonate. His commitment to excellence, his relentless pursuit of greatness, and his genuine love for the game continue to inspire athletes today.

The University of Texas honored Sims in numerous ways over the years, including having his name inscribed on the Ring of Honor at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, a fitting tribute to a player whose contributions to the Longhorns’ football program were unparalleled.

Sims’ Impact Beyond Football

While Kenneth Sims’ football accomplishments were remarkable, it was his character and the impact he had on the lives of those around him that truly defined his legacy. Known for his humility, kindness, and generosity, Sims used his success to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it was through charity work or mentoring young athletes, Sims was a role model both on and off the field.

In the years after his playing career, Sims spent much of his time giving back to the Austin community. He supported local youth football programs and worked closely with organizations that focused on helping underprivileged children find opportunities through education and sports. For Sims, the game was never just about winning—it was about using football as a platform for positive change.

“Football gave me so much,” Sims once said. “But what I’ve learned over the years is that it’s not about the trophies or the accolades. It’s about making an impact on someone else’s life. If I can do that, then I’ve really won.”

The Longhorn Family Remembers

As news of Kenneth Sims’ passing spread, tributes poured in from across the football world. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns football program issued heartfelt statements, expressing their grief and honoring Sims’ extraordinary contributions to the program.

“Ken Sims was not just a legend at the University of Texas, but a legend in the world of football,” Sarkisian said. “He was a true pioneer for the defensive line position and an inspiration to so many players and coaches. His legacy will live on forever, and his memory will always be cherished by the Longhorn family.”

Former teammates, opponents, and coaches alike praised Sims’ character and his impact on the game. Many remembered him not only as a player but as a mentor, leader, and friend.

A Lasting Legacy

As the football community mourns the loss of one of its greatest players, the legacy of Kenneth Sims remains steadfast. His contributions to the University of Texas and to the sport of college football are immeasurable. He was more than a first overall pick in the

NFL Draft or a Hall of Fame defensive tackle—he was a true pioneer in the game, a man who defined what it meant to be a champion both on and off the field.

Kenneth Sims was, and will forever remain, a Longhorn legend, and his impact will resonate for generations to come. His life, his career, and his memory will continue to inspire young athletes who dream of one day following in his footsteps, just as he once dreamed of making his mark on the game.