The Heisman hero who traded a multi-million dollar contract for a lawsuit

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Billy Sims was the first overall pick of the 1980 NFL draft, a powerhouse who redefined running back production. But his career was defined by more than just yardage; it was marked by a secret contract, a catastrophic knee injury, and a series of business ventures that saw his wealth vanish.

Sims' rise was meteoric. After moving from St. Louis to Hooks, Texas, he became a high school phenom, setting state records for rushing yards and 100-yard games. At the University of Oklahoma, he overcame early injuries to become a red-shirt junior, eventually winning the 1978 Heisman Trophy. Sims achieved a milestone as the initial Big 8 running back to gain 200 yards across three straight matches, propelling the Sooners to back-to-back Orange Bowl victories.

His professional career with the Detroit Lions was cut short by a catastrophic right knee injury on October 21, 1984. Before that injury, his career was already complicated by a legal battle. While still bound to the Lions, Sims covertly entered a $3.5 million, five-year agreement with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL during 1983. A federal judge eventually voided the Houston pact in February 1984, forcing him back to Detroit where he played only part of the 1984 season.

Despite his on-field success, including three Pro Bowl selections and a record 47 touchdowns in five seasons or less, Sims' post-career life was a study in volatility. He received a $1.9 million insurance settlement following his injury but lost his accumulated wealth through failed ventures in nightclubs, radio, and manufacturing. Today, he remains a cultural icon in Detroit and Oklahoma, maintaining a barbecue franchise and a permanent place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sims' legacy is preserved in unique ways: his number 20 is retired by the Lions as part of an unofficial 'triumvirate' of greats, and he famously sold his Heisman Trophy to a family friend in 1995 with a buy-back agreement. He continues to be a vocal supporter of Oklahoma football, leading 'Boomer! Sooner!' chants at every Heisman presentation.

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