A Look At The Detroit Lions Legend’s Billy Sims (1980-1984)

Billy Sims: A Detroit Lions Icon

The NFL has seen its fair share of talented running backs over the years, but few have had the impact of Billy Sims. The former Detroit Lions running back is widely considered one of the best players to ever wear a Lions jersey.

Sims was born in St. Louis, Missouri, later moving to Hooks, Texas around the 8th grade. He grew up loving baseball as a fan of the Cardinals. Once Sims made his way to Texas, he found a new love with football.

He was a standout running back in high school and went on to play college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he became the first player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. After a successful college career, Sims was selected first overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

Career

In his rookie year, he burst onto the scene in 1980, and quickly established himself as one of the top running backs in the league. Sims led the NFL in rushing with 1,303 yards & 13 touchdowns in his rookie season. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year, selected to his 1st Pro Bowl, and named First-Team All-Pro.

He went on to have a successful career with the Lions, as a dominating force in the NFL over the next few seasons. In 1981, he rushed for a career-high 1,437 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro for the second consecutive season.

In 1982, Sims suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the season. He returned to form in 1983, rushing for 1,106 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. He was named to his 3rd Pro Bowl in just four seasons.

Sims’ career ended midway through the 1984 season when he suffered a catastrophic right knee injury in a game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21. During that game, Sims set the All-Time Lions Rushing Record, with 5,106 yards. At that time, his type of knee injury did not have the same medical advances we do today, forcing his retirement from football.

Stats

Billy Sims’ stats as a Detroit Lion are impressive. In his five-year career, he rushed for 5,106 yards on 1,131 carries, with an average of 4.5 yards per carry, scoring 42 rushing touchdowns. Sims was a rare talent with the ball in his hands, with everyone so focused on his rushing ability Sims shined in the passing game. Catching 186 passes for 2,072 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Sims set several records during his time with the Lions. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for three touchdowns in each of his first three games. He also set the Lions’ single season rushing record with 1,437 yards in 1981. A record that stood for 17 years until a man named Barry Sanders came to town. You can read about Sanders legendary career here.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend, The Philanthropist

Sims’ impact on the field was undeniable, but off the field, Sims was known for his kindness and generosity. He was a beloved figure in Detroit and was active in several charitable organizations. He is currently the owner of a chain of restaurants called “Billy Sims BBQ.” In 1992, he was inducted into the Detroit Lions Hall of Fame, a testament to the impact he had on the team and the city.

Awards

During his five-year career with the Detroit Lions, Billy Sims earned several awards and honors. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1980 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. He was also named a First-Team All-Pro in 1981.

Sims was inducted into the Detroit Lions Ring of Honor in 1994, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1994, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. In 1999, he was ranked 49th on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

In conclusion, Billy Sims was one of the most dominant players in the NFL during his time with the Detroit Lions. He earned numerous awards and set several records during his five-year career. Billy Sims was a true NFL icon who left a lasting impact on the Detroit Lions and the NFL. His talent, passion, and drive will always be remembered by fans of the sport. While his career was cut short by injury, He remains one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a true legend of the Detroit Lions.

Career Highlights & Awards

• Offensive Rookie of the Year (1980)
• First-team All-Pro (1981)
• Second-team All-Pro (1980)
• 3× Pro Bowl (1980–1982)
• NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1980)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (1980)
• Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
• Detroit Lions All-Time Team
• Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
• Heisman Trophy (1978)
• UPI Player of the Year (1978)
• Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy (1978)
• 2× Consensus All-American (1978, 1979)

Career NFL statistics

• Receptions | 186
• Receiving Yards | 2,072
• Receiving TD’s | 5
• Rushing Yards | 5,106
• Rushing Touchdowns | 42
• yards Per Carry | 4.5