Kenneth Wayne Sims (born October 31, 1959) is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League for eight seasons during the 1980s. He played college football at Texas, where he was a two-time consensus All-American. Sims was the first overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, and played professionally for the New England Patriots of the NFL.

Early years

Sims was born in Kosse, Texas. In his junior year at Groesbeck High School, Sims quit football but then realized that football was indeed for him and went on to spend his senior year playing linebacker, fullback and tight end, rather than as a tackle.

College career

At Texas, Sims spent his freshman year learning the basics of the tackle position. He spent his sophomore year behind Steve McMichael and Bill Acker, then became a force his junior year. He made 131 tackles, and was named an All-American. As a senior in 1981, Sims became the first Longhorn to win the Lombardi Trophy, was named the 1981 UPI Lineman of the Year and earned All-America status once again.

Professional career

With the Patriots in the NFL, Sims played 74 career games and had 17 sacks over eight NFL seasons. His best year was 1985, when he managed 5.5 sacks and played in Super Bowl XX.

See also

• List of Texas Longhorns football All-Americans
• List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks

References