The former general selection of the New England Patriots No. 1 Kenneth Sims died on Friday at the age of 65.
Sims had been fighting the disease and died while sleeping, according to 247Sports.
Sims, who was the first election in the 1982 NFL draft, played eight years in the NFL, all with the Patriots. In 74 race games, Sims recorded 17 captures.
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The defensive line Kenneth Sims of the New England patriots observes during the game against the San Luis cardinals at the Foxboro stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1984. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Throughout his NFL career, Sims dealt with numerous injuries. The only season he played in each game was 1984.
The defensive end underwent back surgery in 1987, which limited it to 12 games. The next season, in 1988, the Achilles tendon broke and played in just one game.
Sims played 15 games in 1989 before a knee injury left him aside for the last game, and then retired.
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The defensive wing of the New England Patriots, Kenneth Sims, observes during the game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Foxboro stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on November 10, 1987. (Dick Raphael-USA Today Sports)
When Sims was recruited in 1982, he became Texas’ Third Longhorn to be chosen with the best selection.
After Sims supported the future member of the Hall of Fame of Professional Soccer Steve McMichael and Bill Acker during his second season in Texas, broke into the scene in his junior season. Sims recorded 131 cup and was appointed All-Southwest Conference and an All-American.
As Senior, Sims was appointed All-Southwest Conference and an All-American again, in addition to being Texas’ first long to win the Lombardi award.
The defensive wing of the New England Patriots, Kenneth Sims, in action against New York giants at the Foxboro stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on November 19, 1989. (Dick Raphael-USA Today Sports)
The Lombardi award is awarded to the University Soccer Lin that best exemplifies the legendary NFL chief coach, Vince Lombardi, focusing on character, discipline and excellence.
Also in his last year, Sims was the best defensive vote for the Heisman trophy after having helped Texas to a 10-1-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in 1982.
During his university career, Sims had 322 tacle, 29 captures, 50 tacle for loss, 15 forced loose balls, seven loose ball recoveries and three blocked kicks.
