In a long-overdue tribute to one of college football’s all-time greats, ESPN has confirmed that the University of Oklahoma will honor legendary running back Billy Sims with a bronze statue at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The announcement comes as part of the Sooners’ ongoing effort to preserve the legacy of their most iconic athletes and reinforce the rich tradition that defines Oklahoma football.
Billy Sims, the 1978 Heisman Trophy winner, remains one of the most electrifying players in the storied history of the Sooners’ program. Known for his combination of speed, vision, and bruising power, Sims captivated fans and terrorized defenses during his college career, finishing with 4,118 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns across three seasons. His impact on the game, his leadership, and his contributions to the Sooners’ dominance in the late 1970s helped elevate Oklahoma football to national prominence, cementing his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
The statue, which will be unveiled in a ceremony later this fall, is the latest in a growing tradition at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where legends such as Barry Switzer, Jason White, and Sam Bradford are already immortalized in bronze. Positioned near the stadium’s main entrance, Sims’ statue will serve as a constant reminder of his lasting influence on the program and the pride he brought to the university.
“This is a monumental day not just for Billy Sims, but for every Sooner fan who watched him dominate on the field and carry the torch of excellence,” Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a statement released through ESPN. “Billy’s legacy goes far beyond the stats. He inspired a generation. His work ethic, his character, and his love for Oklahoma football are woven into the very fabric of this university.”
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Hooks, Texas, Sims’ journey to Oklahoma wasn’t one paved with ease. A highly touted recruit, Sims battled injuries early in his college career, missing significant playing time during his freshman and sophomore seasons. But in 1978, he exploded onto the national scene, rushing for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns on the way to becoming the sixth Sooner to win the Heisman Trophy. His follow-up campaign in 1979 was equally dominant, racking up 1,670 yards and 22 touchdowns, which earned him a second-place finish in the Heisman voting—just behind USC’s Charles White.
Beyond the accolades and statistics, Sims was a force of nature. He ran with a violent elegance that made him impossible to ignore. Defensive coordinators could scheme all they wanted, but few had answers when Sims got rolling behind Oklahoma’s powerful offensive line. Whether breaking away for a 70-yard touchdown run or lowering his shoulder to bulldoze through defenders, Sims’ presence was magnetic.
For head coach Barry Switzer, who oversaw Sims’ rise and the team’s continued success during the 1970s, the statue is a fitting tribute to a player who represented everything that was great about Oklahoma football.
“Billy was the real deal,” Switzer told ESPN. “He could change the momentum of a game with a single run. He made everyone around him better and set the tone for what it meant to wear the Crimson and Cream. I’ve said it for years—he deserved this honor, and I’m thrilled the university is making it happen.”
While Sims went on to have a successful NFL career with the Detroit Lions—earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1980 and being selected to two Pro Bowls—his heart never strayed far from Norman. He has remained a fixture in the Oklahoma community, often seen at games, alumni events, and community initiatives. His dedication to giving back has further endeared him to generations of Sooner fans who never got to witness his brilliance live but feel its ripple effects in the program’s culture.
Oklahoma fans, both young and old, are expected to flock to the statue’s unveiling ceremony, which will coincide with a major home game this fall, according to ESPN sources. The event will include appearances by Sims himself, former teammates, university officials, and other Sooner legends.
“I’m overwhelmed and humbled,” Sims said in a statement. “To be honored with a statue at the place that gave me so much—it’s hard to put into words. I hope this statue isn’t just about me. I hope it inspires young athletes to dream big, to work hard, and to represent something greater than themselves. That’s what Oklahoma football is all about.”
The decision to honor Sims also reflects a broader movement within college athletics to formally recognize past athletes whose contributions laid the foundation for present-day success. At a time when college football is undergoing rapid change—from NIL deals to conference realignment—the Sooners’ tribute to Sims sends a powerful message: the program’s roots are as important as its future.
Sims’ statue will also play a symbolic role in the Sooners’ transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as Oklahoma prepares to officially join the league in the 2025 season. While new challenges await in the ultra-competitive SEC, the school is making it clear that its identity—grounded in toughness, tradition, and talent—will travel with it.
“Billy’s era was about excellence and accountability,” head football coach Brent Venables said in an interview with ESPN. “He ran like he was on a mission every time he touched the ball. That’s the mindset we want in our locker room. Having his statue outside the stadium will be a reminder to every player that greatness isn’t given—it’s earned.”
For Sooner Nation, the statue will serve as more than just a monument. It will be a rallying point—a place to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. It will bring to life the history that so many fans hold dear, bridging the gap between generations and preserving the legacy of a man who helped define what it means to be a Sooner.
The artistic design of the statue is still under wraps, though sources indicate it will feature Sims in one of his signature galloping poses, ball tucked securely in his arm, head up, eyes scanning the field. The sculptor, commissioned by the university, has worked on several notable sports memorials and is expected to capture the dynamism and power that made Sims such a unique talent.
As construction begins and the Sooners gear up for another highly anticipated season, the buzz around Sims’ upcoming statue continues to build. Oklahoma fans are known for their deep connection to the program’s past, and this tribute promises to be one of the most emotional and unifying events in recent school history.
With his name already etched in the annals of Oklahoma football, Billy Sims now takes his place in stone and bronze—a living legend immortalized for generations to come. As the Sooners continue their march toward future glory, they do so with the reminder that greatness never fades, and that icons like Sims are never truly gone. They remain at the heart of the program, standing tall, reminding all who pass through Oklahoma Memorial Stadium of the standard that has been set—and the greatness that awaits those who dare to chase it.