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Oklahoma football: Which 4 Sooner GOATs are Mount Rushmore worthy?

By Chip Rouse

circa 1960: Mount Rushmore in Dakota where four presidents' faces have been sculptured out of the rocks, known as the Shrine Of Democracy. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
circa 1960: Mount Rushmore in Dakota where four presidents' faces have been sculptured out of the rocks, known as the Shrine Of Democracy. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO – 1983: Running back Billy Sims #20 of the Detroit Lions gets tackled during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in a 1983 NFL season game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO – 1983: Running back Billy Sims #20 of the Detroit Lions gets tackled during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in a 1983 NFL season game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Getty Images) /

Billy Sims

“Mr. 20,” as some fans will forever remember him, Billy Sims was arguably the greatest player to wear the Oklahoma football uniform. He was a remarkable talent with both the electrifying speed and agility to make tacklers miss and make them pay for their misfortunes.

A two-time consensus All-American (1978 and 1979) and Heisman Trophy winner (1978), Sims produced 4,118 rushing yards, second most in OU football history, and 53 rushing touchdowns in his college career.

In 1979, against unbeaten Nebraska, which had the No. 1 rushing defense in the nation at that time, Sims rushed for 247 yards and helped lead the Sooners to a 17-14 win. One of a number of uber-talented players Barry Switzer recruited out of the state of Texas, Sims had 20 other games like the one against Nebraska in which he rushed for at least 200 yards in a game.

One of four Oklahoma Sooners to be selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, Sims spent five seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions before suffering a catastrophic knee injury that forced his retirement.

He is still a very active supporter of Oklahoma football. You frequently see him at the Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony — and hear him, as well, when there is a Sooner in attendance as a finalist.

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