Patriots helmet (Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)
A former New England Patriots No. 1 overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft has passed away.
Kenneth Sims reportedly died in his sleep on March 21, 2025, while battling an illness.
Sims had a notable college career at the University of Texas, where he was a two-time All-American. He accumulated 131 tackles during his junior year and received the Lombardi Award as a senior.
The late NFL player played eight seasons in the NFL, exclusively with the Patriots. He was a significant contributor to the team’s first AFC Championship team. Throughout his career, Sims faced multiple injuries which ultimately led to an early retirement.
The Patriots expressed deep sadness at his passing, acknowledging his impact on the franchise and the sport. Sims’ legacy as an important figure in football is remembered, and thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
Former Patriots Sims Spent Eight Seasons With Patriots
Kenneth Sims (Photo by Dick Raphael/USA TODAY Sports)
Born in Kosse, Texas, Sims began his football journey at the University of Texas in 1978. Initially, he played as a backup to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael. Kenneth became a dominant force on the field and recorded 131 tackles and earned both All-Conference and All-American honors.
In his senior year, he gained significant recognition, becoming the first Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award, which is given to the top college lineman in the nation.
After being drafted first overall, Sims played all eight seasons of his NFL career with the Patriots, appearing in 74 games and starting 64. He recorded a total of 17 sacks, with his standout season occurring in 1985, when he contributed to the team’s Super Bowl XX run.
Sims’ career saw significant injury struggles, including a broken leg and a ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite facing challenges with injuries throughout his career, Sims remained a respected and influential player on the Patriots’ defense until his retirement in 1990.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Following his passing, the University of Texas expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to him as a “Longhorn Legend.”
News
Royal Celebration: Kate and William Share First Photo of Their Fourth Child — Britain Cheers for “The Heir Set to Transform the Monarchy”
Royal Joy Explodes: Kate and William Reveal First Photo of Their Fourth Child – All of Britain Cheers “The heir…
Doria Ragland BREAKS SILENCE After Charity Scandal Explodes — “My Daughter Is an Angel. Don’t You Dare Smear Her!”
As Meghan faces growing accusations of pocketing disaster relief funds, her mother steps in with a fiery defense that’s only…
“Breaking: Meghan & Harry Join Texas Flood Relief — ‘It’s About Being Human’ 💔🇺🇸” In A Rare Hands-On Mission, Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Waded Through Floodwaters In Texas — Delivering Aid, Comforting Families, And Refusing Cameras. “It’s Not About Titles,” Meghan Told One Grieving Mother. “It’s About Being Human.” See The Powerful Moment Compassion Met Crisis👇
In a powerful gesture of compassion and solidarity, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seen on the ground in Texas…
SHOCK: Woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann make desperate appeal amid TV appearance, stating, ‘They have abandoned me’
Family of woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann make desperate appeal amid TV appearance A woman who claims to be…
Against all odds! Coronation Street star fights back after br:utal axe — and vows to stay on the cobbles for at least TWO more years
Sue is one of many stars who have been axed from the soap this year ONE of Coronation Street’s axed…
The Heartbreaking Reason Diogo Jota Was Driving That Night — Tragic Twist Behind Liverpool Star’s Sudden D3a;th Revealed
Liverpool star Diogo Jota died with his younger brother Andre when their Lamborghini crashed as they drove through northern Spain to catch an overnight…
End of content
No more pages to load