BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners to erect statue at Gaylord Family Stadium honoring Sam Bradford’s legacy and impact on program greatness (ESPN).

In a move that solidifies his place among the all-time greats in college football history, the University of Oklahoma has announced plans to honor former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford with a statue at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The announcement comes as part of the program’s continued commitment to recognizing legendary figures who have shaped the legacy of Sooners football.

Bradford, who wore the crimson and cream from 2007 to 2009, is widely regarded as one of the most impactful players in Oklahoma’s storied football history. His statue will take its place alongside other Sooners greats who have etched their names into the program’s foundation, including Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jason White, and Billy Sims.

But Bradford’s story is about more than statistics and hardware — it’s about leadership, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to the university that helped him rise to stardom.

The Legacy of Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford arrived at the University of Oklahoma as a relatively low-key recruit out of Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City. Few could have predicted the meteoric rise that would follow.

After redshirting in 2006, Bradford became the Sooners’ starting quarterback in 2007 and immediately showcased his elite arm talent, intelligence, and poise under pressure. That season, he threw for 3,121 yards and 36 touchdowns — a freshman record at the time.

His sophomore campaign in 2008 would catapult him into the national spotlight. Bradford led one of the most explosive offenses in college football history, throwing for 4,720 yards and an astonishing 50 touchdown passes. Under his leadership, the Sooners averaged over 51 points per game and won the Big 12 Championship.

He was awarded the Heisman Trophy in December 2008, becoming the second Native American and third Oklahoma quarterback in a decade to win the prestigious honor. His triumph was a reflection of his consistency, humility, and the sheer force of Oklahoma’s offensive machine.

Bradford capped off that historic season by leading Oklahoma to the BCS National Championship Game against the Florida Gators, narrowly losing to a team led by another Heisman winner — Tim Tebow.

More Than Just a Quarterback

While his on-field accolades are impressive, Bradford’s leadership and character are what left a lasting impression on the Oklahoma faithful. Despite being eligible to leave for the NFL after his sophomore season, Bradford chose to return to Norman for one more run at a national title.

It was a decision made out of loyalty and unfinished business — a choice that underscored who he was.

Unfortunately, the 2009 season would be marred by injury. A shoulder issue suffered in the season opener sidelined him for much of the year. He would eventually declare for the 2010 NFL Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the St. Louis Rams — further validating his place among football’s elite.

Despite the setbacks, Bradford’s legacy in Norman was cemented not just by numbers, but by the integrity and class with which he represented the program.

Why the Statue Matters

In Oklahoma football tradition, a statue at Heisman Park adjacent to the stadium is more than just a piece of bronze — it’s a statement of immortality within the program. Bradford’s inclusion in that space signifies a recognition that his story is one of the most essential chapters in Oklahoma’s gridiron history.

The statue also serves as a tangible reminder of what the Sooners value most: excellence, perseverance, and pride in representing the university. Bradford checked every box.

The announcement was met with overwhelming support from fans, alumni, and former teammates. Social media lit up with reactions from across the football community, with many calling the honor “long overdue.”

A Quiet, Consistent Giant

Bradford’s personality — calm, humble, and team-focused — made him the perfect leader for Bob Stoops’ high-octane program. He never sought headlines, even as he broke records. His humility only made his success more compelling.

He remains a proud ambassador for the university and has continued to support the Sooners program long after his playing days ended. In 2012, he made a $500,000 donation toward the construction of Headington Hall, a state-of-the-art residential facility for student-athletes, showing that his loyalty to the school extended beyond his own career.

Bradford’s Stats at a Glance

• Career passing yards: 8,403
• Career touchdown passes: 88
• Completion percentage: 67.6%
• 2008 Heisman Trophy winner
• 2008 Davey O’Brien and Sammy Baugh Awards winner
• 2008 AP and Sporting News Player of the Year
• No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft

Heisman Brotherhood

Bradford’s statue joins those of other Heisman-winning Oklahoma legends in what has become a tradition of honoring the school’s greatest players with permanent fixtures outside the stadium.

The park now includes:

• Billy Vessels (1952)
• Steve Owens (1969)
• Billy Sims (1978)
• Jason White (2003)
• Sam Bradford (2008) (pending installation)
• Baker Mayfield (2017)
• Kyler Murray (2018)

This lineup places Oklahoma at the top of the college football world in terms of Heisman heritage. Bradford’s place among these greats is not only deserved — it’s essential.

Reactions from the Football World

Former head coach Bob Stoops praised the announcement, saying, “Sam represented everything great about Oklahoma football. He was humble, smart, hard-working, and unflinchingly loyal. No one deserves this honor more.”

Lincoln Riley, who coached Oklahoma’s most recent Heisman winners, also commented: “Sam Bradford laid the foundation that so many quarterbacks after him benefitted from. He was the original modern Sooner quarterback.”

Fans at spring practices and on social media have echoed these sentiments, many calling Bradford their favorite Sooner of all time and noting how his class and skill set the tone for the program’s sustained excellence.

Looking Ahead: The Ceremony

While a specific date for the statue unveiling has not yet been released, it is expected to be part of the 2025 football season’s pre-game festivities, potentially tied to a marquee home game.

The ceremony will likely draw thousands of fans and include appearances by university leaders, former teammates, and perhaps Bradford himself. It will be a moment of celebration, reflection, and deep gratitude for a quarterback who never asked for the spotlight — but always earned it.

Sam Bradford’s impact on Oklahoma football cannot be overstated. He was the model student-athlete: talented, humble, loyal, and fiercely competitive. The decision to honor him with a statue at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is not only justified — it’s necessary.

In a sport that celebrates legends with flash and flair, Bradford’s legacy endures through quiet excellence, unwavering character, and unmatched contributions to the crimson and cream. With this statue, his story becomes part of the physical and spiritual foundation of the Oklahoma Sooners forever.