15 Facts About Kenneth Sims

Kenneth Wayne Sims was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for eight seasons with the New England Patriots of the National Football League during the 1980s.

Kenneth Sims played college football for the Texas Longhorns, earning consensus All-American honors twice.

At the University of Texas at Austin, Kenneth Sims spent his freshman year learning the basics of the tackle position.

Kenneth Sims spent his sophomore year behind Steve McMichael and Bill Acker, then became a force his junior year.

Kenneth Sims made 131 tackles, and was named All-Conference and an All-American.

Kenneth Sims was the first overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft, only the third Longhorn to be selected with the first pick.

Kenneth Sims did not get to play in Super Bowl XX, which the Patriots lost.

Kenneth Sims suffered multiple injuries to his knees, legs and back throughout his career, limiting his play such that the only complete season he played was 1984.

Kenneth Sims was signed to another one-year contract in 1989 and played most of the 1989 season, but missed the last game with an injured knee.

Kenneth Sims supported the program and said that he'd gotten himself clean after going through a team-supported drug rehabilitation program.

In 1990, Kenneth Sims was arrested in Austin, Texas, and charged with possession of cocaine.

Kenneth Sims was released by the Patriots 16 days later for failing to stay in proper shape.

Kenneth Sims died in his sleep in Waynesville, North Carolina, on March 21,2025, at the age of 65.

Kenneth Sims was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Kenneth Sims was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 1997.