Billy Sims
RB #20 — Detroit Lions
More Detroit Lions Players
About Billy Sims
Billy Sims won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma in 1978, got drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in 1980, and looked like the franchise savior for exactly four and a half seasons before a knee injury ended everything. In those four-plus years, he rushed for 5,106 yards, scored 47 touchdowns, and made three Pro Bowls. He was explosive, instinctive, and famous for a high-stepping celebration fans called the "Kung Fu kick" that would get clipped and replayed endlessly if he'd played in the social media era.
Sims is the original Lions "what if" story. Barry Sanders gets more attention because Barry walked away by choice. Billy didn't get a choice. A torn ACL and MCL in 1984 shut down a career that was tracking toward the Hall of Fame. After football, Sims opened Billy Sims BBQ, a restaurant chain across Oklahoma and the Midwest that might honestly be his most successful long-term venture. He's a warm, accessible figure who shows up at Lions events and franchise anniversaries. For fans old enough to remember the early 80s, Billy Sims is proof that the Lions have always been able to find incredible talent and then watch something go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Billy Sims' career?
A devastating knee injury in the fifth game of the 1984 season ended his career at age 29. He tore his ACL and MCL against the Minnesota Vikings. In an era before modern surgical techniques, the damage was career-ending. Sims tried to come back but could never regain his explosiveness. He was on pace for a Hall of Fame trajectory. Four full seasons, three Pro Bowls, a Heisman Trophy, and then it was over.
How does Billy Sims compare to Barry Sanders in Lions history?
They're the two great 'what if' running backs in franchise history, but for different reasons. Barry left by choice with years of elite play still in him. Billy was forced out by injury with his prime still ahead of him. Barry's departure was a mystery wrapped in a fax. Billy's was a torn knee on a football field in Minnesota. Both stories end the same way for Lions fans: wondering what could have been if the best player on the team had stayed healthy and willing.
Last updated: April 2026