Kenneth Sims

1959 - 2025

Kenneth Sims obituary, 1959-2025, Waynesville, NC

Kenneth Sims

1959 - 2025

BORN

1959

DIED

2025

Kenneth Sims Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2025.

Kenneth Sims, a former No. 1 NFL Draft pick, College Football Hall of Famer, and New England Patriot, died March 21, 2025 at his home in Waynesville, North Carolina at the age of 65.

Sims was a star player with the University of Texas Longhorns, twice taking home All-American honors (once unanimously) and twice earning team MVP honors. In 1981, he became the first Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award. His strong on-field performance made him the overall No. 1 draft pick in 1982, signing with the New England Patriots. He played there eight seasons, including the team's 1985 Super Bowl appearance against the Chicago Bears. In 2021, Sims was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is also a Longhorn Hall of Honor inductee.

On the social media platform X, University of Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director / Communications called Sims' passing heartbreaking. "Such a kind & caring person who was always so supportive of his Longhorns. I'll miss catching up with him at the many UT events he attended, he will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

(Image: George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Sign Kenneth Sims's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 24, 2025

JK posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Richard Morgan posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2025

Tim Dobbins posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

JK

April 24, 2025

May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Sending condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Richard Morgan

April 15, 2025

Ken, you gave us many great memories as a Patriot. You will be greatly missed. RIP

Tim Dobbins

April 2, 2025

Kenny was my good friend and a heck of a domino player. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family. He was a true gentleman.
Tim D

Steve Rosentreter-Georgetown

April 1, 2025

I knew you through your cousin Lamar of Waco. I went to school with him and your Finley cousins.
You will be missed and forever loved! God Bless You.

John OLeary

March 31, 2025

Iam a long time Boston resident and patriot fans. I always enjoyed watching ken play for the patriots. He was a great player. He didn´t get all the so call statistics because he took two offense linemen on in every play.linebackers loved playing behind him. RIP MR SIMS. John OLeary

Mr. Jr.

March 31, 2025

My condolences.

RB

March 31, 2025

A great NFL player that made his contribution to a great franchise. Sincerest condolences to the Sims family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all in your time of loss.

Dave Elliott

March 26, 2025

The first person I saw going on the elevator in the jester athletic dorm was Kenneth Sims. Biggest human being I ever saw. To this day he was also the most dominant and best defensive football player I ever saw at the college level. Routinely blocked by two or three individuals, and he still lived in the opponents backfield. he was chop blocked and broke his leg toward the end of his senior season. Probably slowed him down a hair in the pros. Even Eric Dickerson said Sims threw him around like a rag doll. God bless and rest in peace.

Tim Sockwell

March 25, 2025

Kenneth Sims was a kind and caring person with nothing but love for his family and schools. I remember driving his mother, Doris, and sister, Cassandra to Austin, Tx to see his football games. He introduced me to Tim and Steve Campbell, who were brothers of Earl Campbell that played with the Houston Oilers at the time.

My fondest memory with him was when he said "Tim, did you see that cow standing in the middle of the road, and I responded with a `No!´". Kenneth told me to go have my eyes checked and I´ve been wearing glasses ever since. Oh, what fond memories we develop during childhood.

May his soul rest in peace and eternal life with our savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven.

Chris

March 25, 2025

I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Kenneth Sims. May the God who gives comfort be with your family during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Sims's name

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth Sims's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Kenneth Sims's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 24, 2025

JK posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Richard Morgan posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2025

Tim Dobbins posted to the memorial.