Billy Sims

Billy Sims' career ran about the same way he did - fast and furious. Highly sought after by colleges across the nation, Sims chose the University of Oklahoma to build his own legacy in football and shine in the eyes of gridiron gazers.

From the small town of Hook, Texas, Sims rushed for over 100 yards every game of his high school career. Sims set Texas high school football history with a career total of 7,738 yards.

With running backs like Joe Washington ahead of him, Sims didn't start off as a Sooner superstar. He progressed from his freshman year with only 15 carries for 95 yards to the creation of his most memorable year in 1978. That year, as a junior, Sims carried 231 times for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the nation in rushing and scoring. He was unanimous All-American, Big 8 Offensive Player of the Year, MVP in the Orange Bowl and winner of the Heisman Trophy, college football's highest honor.

In 1979, he gained 1,506 yards on 224 carries and racked up 22 touchdowns, again earning unanimous All-American honors and Big 8 Offensive Player of the Year. He led the nation in scoring and was fourth in rushing. He was named Big 8 Back of the Week three times.

He finished his collegiate career as the fourth leading rusher and second leading scoring in Big 8 history, setting an all-time NCAA record for average yards per rush for back carrying the ball 500 times, gaining seven yards every time he touched the ball.

Sims pro career began in 1980 as the #1 choice in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He was named Rookie of the Year after a season that saw him lead the league with 13 touchdowns, gain 1,303 yards rushing and catch 51 passes. In 1981, he topped his rookie year by leading the league with 1,437 yards and another 13 touchdowns.

The strike ridden season of 1982 prevented Sims from having a third consecutive 1,000 yard season, but he was back on top in 1983 and 1984 until a tragic knee injury in 1984. Sims tried to make a cut on the artificial turf at Minnesota's Humphrey Metrodome and blew out his knee. Intensive therapy could not restore the strength and Sims retired in 1985, ending a brilliant professional career lasting less than five years.