### Kenneth Sims: A Legacy Remembered in Football History Kenneth Sims, a prominent figure in American football, has passed away at the age of 65. He was a celebrated defensive end who made his mark as a standout player for the Texas Longhorns before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. His contributions to the sport were recognized with multiple accolades, including induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Sims died peacefully at his home, reportedly after battling an illness [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-longhorns/2025/03/22/kenneth-sims-a-former-texas-standout-and-no-1-nfl-draft-pick-in-1982-dies-at-65]. ### Overview of Kenneth Sims' Life and Career 1. **Early Life and College Career** - Sims played for the Texas Longhorns from 1978 to 1981, where he earned multiple accolades, including being a consensus All-American in his junior and senior years [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ex_no_1_overall_pick_college_hall_of_famer_kenneth_sims_dies_at_65/s1_17049_41939463]. - He was known for his impressive defensive skills, recording 23 tackles for loss in his senior year and winning the Lombardi Award [https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/kenneth-sims-cfb-hall-of-famer-and-1982-nfl-first-overall-pick-dies-at-65-215228224.html]. 2. **NFL Career** - Sims was drafted first overall by the New England Patriots in 1982, a notable achievement during a time when quarterbacks were not always the top picks [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-14525085/Kenneth-Sims-dead-New-England-Patriots-Texas-Longhorns.html]. - He had a promising start, recording three sacks in his rookie season and achieving a career-high of 5.5 sacks in 1985 [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kenneth-sims-former-no-1-overall-pick-of-the-patriots-and-texas-pass-rusher-dies-at-65]. 3. **Legacy and Impact** - Sims remains a significant figure in college football history, holding the record for the most forced fumbles at Texas with 15 [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/former-longhorns-great-kenneth-sims-225901360.html]. - His contributions to the sport were honored with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats [https://www.thespec.com/sports/football/former-texas-standout-nfl-no-1-overall-pick-kenneth-sims-has-died-at-65/article_2de83b6c-9470-512e-99f1-ed18ee282e52.html]. ### Summary of Kenneth Sims' Contributions and Legacy - **Kenneth Sims' passing at 65 marks the end of an era for a player who was not only a top draft pick but also a celebrated college athlete.** - **His achievements include:** 1. **Consensus All-American honors during his college career.** 2. **First overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.** 3. **Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.** - **Sims' legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players, reflecting the impact he made both on and off the field.** For more information on Kenneth Sims' life and career, you can refer to the following sources: [https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/kenneth-sims-obit-patriots-texas-longhorns-e34296], [https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/former-longhorn-kenneth-sims-dead-at-65/3802485/?os=bingquiz.comdfbing-weekly-quiz-answersdf], [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/21/sports/kenneth-sims-patriots].