ESPN REPORTS: Oklahoma Sooners to Erect Monumental Statue at Memorial Stadium in Tribute to Heisman Winner Billy Sims, Honoring His Unmatched Legacy and Unforgettable Impact on Program’s Glory YearsESPN REPORTS: Oklahoma Sooners to Erect Monumental Statue at Memorial Stadium in Tribute to Heisman Winner Billy Sims, Honoring His Unmatched Legacy and Unforgettable Impact on Program’s Glory Years**
In a historic and long-awaited move, the **University of Oklahoma** has announced the decision to erect a statue at **Oklahoma Memorial Stadium** in honor of Heisman Trophy winner **Billy Sims**. The legendary running back, who played for the Sooners from 1975 to 1979, will be immortalized in bronze to celebrate his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on one of the most storied programs in college football history.
Sims’ contributions to the Oklahoma Sooners are legendary. During his time in Norman, Sims redefined the running back position, leaving an indelible mark on both the team and the sport itself. As a consensus **All-American** in 1978 and 1979, Sims’ explosive combination of speed, power, and vision led him to become the first **Oklahoma running back** to win the **Heisman Trophy** in 1978. His dominance on the field, particularly during his senior year, is a key reason the Sooners became a national powerhouse in the late 1970s.
The announcement was met with overwhelming support from fans, alumni, and current players alike. University President **Joseph Harroz Jr.** praised Sims for his profound influence on the program, calling the statue “a fitting tribute to one of the greatest to ever wear the crimson and cream.” He continued, “Billy Sims was not just an exceptional player, but a true ambassador for Oklahoma football. His work ethic, leadership, and legacy resonate through generations of Sooners. This statue will stand as a permanent reminder of his greatness.”
Sims’ college career was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of his four seasons, he rushed for over **4,000 yards**, including an astounding **1,766 yards and 22 touchdowns** during his Heisman-winning season in 1978. His 198-yard performance against **Nebraska** in 1978 remains one of the most iconic games in **Sooners history**. His vision on the field, coupled with his ability to change the game with each touch, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The statue will serve as a tribute not only to Sims’ individual achievements but also to the era in which he played, a period marked by **Oklahoma’s dominance in college football**. Sims’ influence helped propel the Sooners to national prominence, and his leadership continues to inspire players and fans to this day.
Fans who have followed the team for decades see the statue as a long-overdue honor. “Billy Sims is an Oklahoma legend,” said former teammate and current Sooners head coach **Brent Venables**. “He set the standard for excellence, and now every future Sooner will know his name and the incredible impact he had on this program.”
The statue will be unveiled during a special ceremony at Memorial Stadium later this year, where former teammates, coaches, and fans will gather to celebrate Sims’ legacy. The monument will stand as a tribute to a man whose contributions to Oklahoma football are immeasurable, ensuring that his memory will continue to inspire future generatio
ns of Sooners.
