Legendary College & NFL Running Back; Heisman Trophy Winner; College Football Hall of Fame Inductee; Co-Founder of Billy Sims BBQ

Tulsa, OK, USA
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Billy Sims Biography

Billy Sims is recognized as one of college football's notable running backs, known for his performance at the University of Oklahoma and his professional career with the Detroit Lions. Sims, a two-time consensus All-American, gained national attention during the 1978 season by leading the nation in rushing and scoring. He rushed for 1,896 yards and 22 touchdowns as a redshirt junior, setting a Big Eight record and averaging 7.4 yards per carry. This performance earned Sims the Heisman Trophy, making him the sixth junior and third Oklahoma Sooner to receive the honor. He also received the Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy and UPI Player of the Year honors that season. Sims contributed to consecutive Orange Bowl victories for the Sooners, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Nebraska and 164 yards against Florida State.

Sims transitioned to the NFL as the first overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, selected by the Detroit Lions. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, earned First-team All-Pro honors, and was selected for three Pro Bowls. Sims led Detroit to the playoffs in 1982 and 1983, establishing himself among the leading running backs of his era. Over five seasons with the Lions, Sims rushed for more than 1,000 yards in three seasons and retired as the franchise's all-time leading rusher with 5,106 yards.

Sims' professional football career ended prematurely due to a knee injury sustained during his fifth season. Despite extensive rehabilitation, the injury prevented his return to the field. Sims was later inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. A bronze statue honoring Sims stands on the University of Oklahoma campus in Heisman Park, commemorating his 1978 Heisman Trophy achievement.

Following his football career, Sims pursued entrepreneurship by co-founding Billy Sims BBQ, a restaurant chain that began in Tulsa, Oklahoma and expanded to approximately 50 locations across seven states. Sims remains active in the Oklahoma football community, frequently participating in Heisman Trophy presentations and supporting the university's football program. His career reflects a transition from record-setting athlete to business owner, with a legacy that extends beyond football.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/27/2026.

  • How do I book Billy Sims to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Billy Sims for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Billy Sims, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Billy Sims or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Billy Sims

    Speaking fees for Billy Sims, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Billy Sims are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Billy Sims, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Billy Sims speak about?

    Billy Sims is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Football, Hall of Fame, Sports, Sports Motivation
  • Where does Billy Sims travel from?

    Billy Sims generally travels from Tulsa, OK, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Billy Sims for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Billy Sims for your next private or corporate function.
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Billy Sims is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Billy Sims for your event is available upon request. Billy Sims generally travels from Tulsa, OK, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Barry Sanders, Tony Dorsett, Barry Switzer, Archie Griffin and LeRoy Butler. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Billy Sims for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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