In one of the most electric announcements to shake up the world of college football, the University of Oklahoma has brought back one of its most iconic and controversial legends—Brian “The Boz” Bosworth. The former All-American linebacker, Hollywood actor, and cultural firestorm is officially returning to Norman in a brand-new role that has fans buzzing, rivals on edge, and college football media scrambling to understand what’s coming next.
Brian Bosworth, the face of 1980s college football rebellion, has been appointed as an official Special Advisor to the Oklahoma football program, where he will work directly with players, coaches, and athletic department leadership to mentor student-athletes, promote player empowerment, and help redefine the Sooners’ identity as they transition into a new era. The decision marks a stunning turn of events for a program steeped in tradition—and a man once known as much for his outlandish persona as for his brilliance on the field.
For longtime fans, this is more than just a hiring—it’s a homecoming with emotional weight. Bosworth was a two-time Butkus Award winner and one of the fiercest linebackers ever to wear the crimson and cream. His bone-rattling hits, signature mullet, and brash attitude made him a national sensation and the symbol of the 1980s Sooners’ swagger. But his relationship with Oklahoma hasn’t always been picture-perfect. His suspension in 1987 following a failed NCAA drug test for steroids, along with his decision to wear a shirt that read “National Communists Against Athletes” during the Orange Bowl, created deep friction with the establishment.
Now, decades later, both sides are putting history behind them in a move that has stunned college football.
In a joint statement released by Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione and head coach Brent Venables, the university emphasized the importance of Bosworth’s passion for the game, his love for the Sooners, and his desire to guide the next generation of players in ways that go far beyond the gridiron.
“Brian Bosworth embodies the passion and intensity that defines Oklahoma football,” Venables said. “His journey hasn’t been perfect, but that’s what makes this so powerful. Our players will benefit immensely from his perspective—not just as a former player, but as someone who has lived through the spotlight, made mistakes, and come out the other side stronger and wiser.”
According to multiple sources close to the program, Bosworth will also assist in alumni outreach, player branding initiatives, and NIL education—drawing from his unique experience as one of the earliest college football players to cultivate a personal brand before such a thing was even recognized. This makes his return not just symbolic, but practical in the ever-evolving college football landscape.
“The Boz was ahead of his time,” said ESPN analyst and former NFL linebacker Marcus Spears. “He was building a brand in the ‘80s before NIL, before Instagram, before any of that. Now that athletes can finally capitalize on who they are, bringing someone like him into the building is a genius move.”
Bosworth himself took to social media shortly after the announcement, posting a video of himself walking through the OU locker room wearing his old No. 44 jersey, arms stretched wide, with the caption: “The Boz is HOME. Time to build legends, not just highlight reels.” The post went viral within hours, generating millions of views and reigniting debates about his legacy, his impact on the game, and what his presence could mean for Oklahoma moving forward.
Former teammates and opponents alike are voicing their excitement and curiosity. Tony Casillas, an All-American who played alongside Bosworth, praised the move as “redemptive and exciting,” while former Nebraska star Tom Rathman, who clashed with Bosworth in their Big Eight days, simply tweeted, “Here we go again.”
But beyond the headlines and the nostalgia, there’s a deeper story unfolding—one of personal growth and second chances. Bosworth’s post-football career has been filled with reinvention. After a brief stint in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks ended due to injury, he moved to Hollywood, starring in action movies and commercials, before eventually shifting toward philanthropy and motivational speaking.