ESPN REPORTS: Oklahoma Sooners to Erect Statue at Memorial Stadium Honoring Billy Sims for His Legacy and Impact on Program’s Greatness; Unveiling Scheduled for This Fall

In a long-anticipated move that cements one of the most legendary figures in Oklahoma football history, the University of Oklahoma has announced plans to honor former Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims with a statue outside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The unveiling is scheduled for this fall, coinciding with a major home game that will draw thousands of fans and alumni to Norman, Oklahoma.

This decision, first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the university, marks a significant moment in the program’s continued commitment to celebrating its rich football heritage. For Sooner Nation, Billy Sims isn’t just a name in the record books—he’s a symbol of excellence, resilience, and the golden era of Oklahoma football.

Billy Sims, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1978, is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in college football history. A dynamic playmaker known for his explosive speed, vision, and physicality, Sims played under the legendary Barry Switzer and helped elevate the Oklahoma program to national prominence.

Though the university has previously celebrated Sims with Hall of Fame recognition and inclusion in its Ring of Honor, a bronze statue adds a new and permanent dimension to his legacy.

“This is long overdue,” Switzer said in a recent interview. “Billy was one of the most dominant players we’ve ever had at Oklahoma, and what he meant to our program on and off the field is impossible to overstate. This statue will be a reminder to every fan and player of the greatness that came before.”

The statue will be installed along Heisman Park, a famed area just outside Memorial Stadium that features likenesses of the university’s other Heisman winners, including Sam Bradford, Jason White, Steve Owens, and Kyler Murray. With Sims’ addition, the Sooners will now have six Heisman recipients honored in bronze, reinforcing their standing as one of the premier programs in college football history.

University President Joseph Harroz Jr. stated:

“Billy Sims’ story is one of perseverance, dedication, and excellence. This statue is not just a tribute to a phenomenal athlete—it is a celebration of the values he embodied and the legacy he continues to inspire.”

While the final design of the statue is still under wraps, university officials indicated it will capture Sims in mid-run, evoking his electrifying performances during the late 1970s. A formal unveiling ceremony is set for a home game this October, with the exact date to be announced in the coming weeks.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Hooks, Texas, Sims overcame a difficult childhood to become a high school football sensation. After battling early-career injuries, Sims exploded onto the scene in 1978, rushing for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns—a performance that earned him college football’s highest individual honor.

In 1979, he nearly repeated his Heisman feat, finishing second in the voting after tallying 1,506 yards and 22 touchdowns. He still holds the school record for most career touchdowns (53) and ranks among the top rushers in Oklahoma history with over 4,100 rushing yards.

His back-to-back dominance in 1978 and 1979 helped lead the Sooners to two Orange Bowl appearances and reestablished Oklahoma as a perennial powerhouse.

“Billy changed the game,” said former OU quarterback Thomas Lott. “When you handed him the ball, you knew something special was going to happen. Defenses feared him, and we fed off that.”

While Sims’ on-field achievements are legendary, his post-football life has also earned him admiration from the Oklahoma community. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Sims enjoyed a promising professional career before a knee injury cut it short.

Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Sims turned his attention to business and philanthropy. He co-founded the Billy Sims BBQ restaurant chain, which now has dozens of locations across multiple states. Through his entrepreneurial efforts and charitable work, Sims has continued to uplift communities while staying connected to Sooner Nation.

“I never forgot where I came from or what Oklahoma gave me,” Sims said in a statement. “It was here that I grew up, learned to fight, and achieved my dreams. This statue—it’s not just for me. It’s for every kid who dreams big and works hard. It’s for the fans who’ve always had my back.”

The news of the statue was met with overwhelming approval across social media, with fans, alumni, and national pundits praising the move as both timely and well-deserved.

“Billy Sims was an absolute force of nature,” ESPN college football analyst Rece Davis tweeted. “Glad to see him finally getting the full recognition he deserves in Norman.”

On message boards and fan forums, Sooners supporters called the statue a “moment of healing,” especially for older generations who vividly remember Sims’ explosive runs and iconic “BOOMER!” chants. Others pointed out that Sims’ visibility and popularity helped recruit future greats to Oklahoma, paving the way for generations of success.

“The memories of Billy sprinting down the sideline are etched into my childhood,” said lifelong OU fan Marcus Delgado. “That statue will mean something to every fan who bleeds crimson and cream.”

For athletic director Joe Castiglione, the statue is part of a broader mission to preserve Oklahoma’s football legacy while preparing for the future—especially with the Sooners’ upcoming move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

“We’re entering a new chapter in OU history, and it’s critical that we honor the foundation that was laid by giants like Billy Sims,” Castiglione said. “This statue represents our tradition, our pride, and our belief in the greatness of Oklahoma football.”

Indeed, the timing of the statue could not be more symbolic. With the Sooners set to join the SEC in 2025, the program is looking to blend its storied past with a bold future, aiming to compete against the best programs in the country.

For head coach Brent Venables, it’s a teaching moment for his players.

“When our guys walk by that statue, I want them to feel the weight of that legacy,” Venables said. “Billy Sims played with fire, heart, and grit. That’s the standard we’re striving for every day.”

Sims’ induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 further solidified his status among the sport’s greats, but this statue brings a new kind of permanence. For younger fans who never saw him play, the monument will serve as both a historical marker and a source of inspiration.

“I hope kids look at that statue and ask, ‘Who was Billy Sims?’” said OU historian Mike Brooks. “Because once they learn, they’ll understand what greatness looks like.”

The fall unveiling is expected to be a major event, likely scheduled around a marquee opponent to maximize attendance and media coverage. Alumni and former players will be invited back to celebrate, and Sims himself is expected to speak during the ceremony.

While details of the statue’s construction timeline are still being finalized, university officials have confirmed that nationally renowned sculptor Blair Buswell—known for his work on other Heisman statues—will design and create Sims’ likeness.

Once installed, Sims’ statue will not only join an elite collection but stand as a sentinel for Sooner values: perseverance, dominance, and pride.

Billy Sims is more than a football legend—he’s a living testament to the power of determination, talent, and loyalty. His story, from overcoming adversity to reaching the pinnacle of college football, continues to inspire generations of Sooners.

As the university prepares to immortalize him in bronze, fans will not only reflect on what he accomplished but look forward to the renewed spirit his legacy will bring to Oklahoma football.

Come this fall, outside the walls of Memorial Stadium, a new monument will rise—not just of a player, but of a legend.