Patriots helmet on the bench.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.”