The first pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, Sims spent eight seasons with the Patriots.
Kenneth Sims, who appeared in 75 total games for the New England Patriots in the 1980s, has passed away. As was announced by his college team, the Texas Longhorns, he died Friday at the age of 65.
Sims was born on October 31, 1959. Following his high school career in Groesbeck, Texas, where he shined due to his natural athleticism and ability to play on both sides of the ball, he was offered a scholarship by the University of Texas.
A two-time All-American during his college career as a defensive tackle, Sims subsequently was selected first overall by the Patriots in the 1982 NFL Draft. Over the course of his eight-year career in New England, he appeared in 74 regular season games and a playoff contest, registering 17 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries.
Sims had his best season in 1985, when he recorded 5.5 sacks in 13 games for the Patriots’ first ever Super Bowl team. However, he himself had to sit out the title game due to a broken leg suffered in December.
In general, injuries were a problem for Sims throughout his career and limited his ability to reach his potential and live up to his status as the top pick in the draft. He only was able to play a full season once in his career (1984).
Off the football field, Sims found himself in the crosshairs of the NFL drug policy on multiple occasions and in 1990 was arrested for possession of cocaine. The Patriots released him shortly thereafter, claiming he had failed to stay in proper shape during offseason workouts.
Sims attempted a comeback with the Buffalo Bills in 1992 but never actually appeared in a game for the team.
After his active playing career, Sims was enshrined both into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor (1997) and the College Football Hall of Fame (2021).