In a heartwarming and powerful act of generosity that bridges the past with the future, legendary Oklahoma Sooners running back Billy Sims has once again etched his name into the university’s proud legacy—not with a touchdown run or Heisman Trophy speech, but through a game-changing donation that will fuel the program both literally and symbolically. Sims, who won the Heisman in 1978 and is widely remembered as one of the most electrifying backs in college football history, has donated three state-of-the-art luxury buses to the Oklahoma Sooners football program. The message stitched into every custom leather headrest and painted along the exterior of these impressive vehicles reads boldly: “Let Us Ride as We Built in Legacy.” It’s not just a slogan—it’s a declaration of what it means to be a Sooner.
For a man whose name is synonymous with greatness in Norman, Billy Sims continues to redefine what it means to give back. These buses aren’t your ordinary college transit vehicles. Each one is equipped with top-tier amenities—first-class recliner seating, full onboard Wi-Fi, HD entertainment systems, massage chairs, built-in nutrition stations, and locker-style compartments for player gear. These aren’t just buses for transportation; they are mobile sanctuaries for focus, recovery, and camaraderie, meticulously designed to elevate the player experience. And for Oklahoma, a program deeply rooted in tradition and constantly striving for the next level of excellence, this donation couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Sooners, now well into their transition into the SEC—a conference marked by ruthless competition, grueling road trips, and elite expectations—are on a quest to not only belong but dominate. Billy Sims’ gesture isn’t just a logistical gift; it’s a morale boost, a show of belief from one of the program’s greatest ambassadors. It signals that the legends of Oklahoma’s past are not only watching—they’re investing. And Sims, a man who has worn the crimson and cream with pride for decades, made sure this donation resonated with meaning.
The phrase “Let Us Ride as We Built in Legacy” isn’t just poetic—it’s deeply reflective of the generational bond among Sooners. Every seat on those buses holds a legacy. Players will board knowing that their journey—both literal and figurative—is powered by someone who laid the foundation before them. Sims’ donation is a mobile reminder that greatness travels with them, behind them, and ahead of them. It connects today’s roster to the golden eras of Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, and Bob Stoops, and it lays a spiritual path forward under the leadership of Brent Venables.
Sims, now 70, remains a charismatic presence in Oklahoma circles, often spotted tailgating with fans, supporting NIL initiatives, and speaking to young athletes about discipline, humility, and honoring the jersey. His post-football career has included successful business ventures, including the popular Billy Sims BBQ chain, but he has never wandered far from the crimson heartbeat of Oklahoma football. The donation of these buses is simply the latest manifestation of his enduring commitment.
In his press conference announcing the donation, Sims was visibly emotional. Standing next to the three gleaming vehicles, each emblazoned with Oklahoma iconography and the phrase that has now become his rallying cry, he addressed a crowd of current players, coaches, alumni, and fans. “I didn’t just want to give something,” Sims said. “I wanted to give something that moves this program forward—literally. I wanted the boys to know they’re never riding alone. They ride with history. They ride with purpose. They ride because others built before them.”
Coach Brent Venables, never one to downplay the power of tradition, was moved by the gesture. “It’s more than just buses,” Venables said. “It’s a legacy on wheels. It’s a reminder that greatness comes with a cost, and it’s paid forward by men like Billy Sims who love this program with all their heart. Every ride to a game, every trip to a camp, every road to victory will be touched by this gift.”
Players were equally enthused, many of them taking to social media to share their gratitude and excitement. Quarterback Jackson Arnold tweeted a photo from inside the bus with the caption: “Billy Sims—OG legend. Thank you for believing in us. We ride for the legacy now.” Linebacker Kip Lewis shared a video tour of the buses, highlighting the mood lighting, the video screens loaded with Sooner highlights, and even a personalized message from Sims welcoming each player.
But perhaps the most emotional reactions came from former Sooners who shared what it meant to see a brother from their fraternity give back in such a profound way. Marcus Dupree, who once shared the same backfield prestige as Sims, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Billy, you’ve always been one of the realest to ever do it—on and off the field. These buses ain’t just wheels—they’re hope on rubber tires. God bless you, brother.”
The story also resonates nationally, especially at a time when college athletics is undergoing radical change. With NIL rights, conference realignments, and rising expectations, programs across the country are looking for ways to maintain identity while embracing evolution. Billy Sims has given Oklahoma a vivid, moving metaphor for how to do just that. His buses are not only luxurious—they’re grounded in values. They scream excellence while whispering tradition. They are designed for future champions, but built by one of the greatest ever.
