**Kenneth Sims, Former New England Patriots No. 1 Overall Pick, Passes Away at 65**
Kenneth Sims, the first overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft and a former defensive end for the New England Patriots, passed away on Friday at the age of 65 after battling illness. He died peacefully in his sleep.
### NFL Career and Achievements
– **Draft and Early Career**: Sims was the third Texas Longhorn to be selected as the top pick in the NFL Draft. He had a standout collegiate career, recording:
– 322 tackles
– 29 sacks
– 50 tackles for loss
– 15 forced fumbles
– 7 fumble recoveries
– 3 blocked kicks
– **Professional Tenure**: Sims played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, participating in 74 games and achieving 17 sacks. His only full season was in 1984, as he faced numerous injuries throughout his career:
– Underwent back surgery in 1987, limiting him to 12 games.
– Suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in 1988, playing just one game.
– Played 15 games in 1989 before a knee injury ended his season.
### Collegiate Honors
During his time at Texas, Sims earned multiple accolades:
– Named All-Southwest Conference and All-American in both his junior and senior years.
– First Texas Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award, which honors college football linemen who exemplify character, discipline, and excellence.
– In his senior year, he was the top defensive vote-getter for the Heisman Trophy, contributing to Texas’s impressive 10-1-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in 1982.
### Conclusion
Kenneth Sims leaves behind a legacy as a talented player who faced significant challenges throughout his career. How will his contributions to the game be remembered in the years to come?
### FAQs
**What were Kenneth Sims’ career statistics in the NFL?**
Kenneth Sims recorded 17 sacks over 74 career games in the NFL, all played with the New England Patriots.
**What awards did Kenneth Sims receive during his college career?**
Sims was named All-Southwest Conference and All-American multiple times and was the first Texas Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award.