Sims was the first overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft, and played professionally for the New England Patriots including the season they went to Super Bowl XX.
In his junior year at Groesbeck High School, Sims quit football but then realized that football was indeed for him and went on to spend his senior year playing linebacker, fullback and tight end, rather than as a tackle.
At Texas, Sims spent his freshman year learning the basics of the tackle position.
As a senior in 1981, Sims became the first Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award, was named the 1981 UPI Lineman of the Year, was the top defensive vote-recipient for the Heisman Trophy and earned all-conference and All-American status once again.
His best year was 1985, when he managed 5.5 sacks despite only playing in 13 games after he broke his leg late in the regular season.