Former New England Patriots defensive end Kenneth Sims, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, passed away in his sleep on March 21, 2025, while battling an illness. The news has left the football community mourning the loss of a player who made significant contributions both in college and the NFL, despite a career hampered by injuries.
Sims, born in Kosse, Texas, first made his mark at the University of Texas, where he played from 1978 to 1981. Initially a backup to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve McMichael, Sims emerged as a dominant force, recording 131 tackles in his junior year and earning All-Conference and All-American honors. As a senior, he became the first Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s top college lineman, cementing his status as a two-time All-American. His college achievements were later recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021, and the University of Texas paid tribute to him as a “Longhorn Legend” following his passing.
Drafted first overall by the Patriots in 1982, Sims spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the team, playing in 74 games and starting 64. He tallied 17 sacks, with his best season coming in 1985 when he helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl XX, their first AFC Championship win. However, injuries plagued his career—a broken leg and a ruptured Achilles tendon among them—forcing an early retirement in 1990. Despite the setbacks, Sims remained a respected figure on the Patriots’ defense, known for his toughness and leadership.
The Patriots released a statement expressing deep sadness at Sims’ passing, acknowledging his impact on the franchise and the sport. “Kenneth was a significant contributor to our first AFC Championship team, and his legacy will always be remembered,” the statement read, extending thoughts to his friends and family. Sims’ death at 65 marks a somber moment for a franchise and fanbase that still cherishes his role in their early success, even as injuries kept him from reaching his full potential in the NFL. His story is a reminder of the physical toll of the game—and the enduring legacy of those who play it.
