Detroit Lions #20 Billy Sims Autograph Card 6 of 50

“Before Barry Sanders, the Lions had Billy Sims. He’s 2nd all-time for the Lions in nearly every rushing statistic. He was the 1978 Heisman trophy winner and 1980 NFL Rookie of the Year. This autographed card from Panini, a top collector’s card in the market today, is numbered 8 of only 50 made. This will make an excellent addition to any fans collection. I’m sad it’s leaving mine, but happy it’s going to a cause that’s helping hundreds of young adults gain a valuable education.”

Billy Ray Sims (born September 18, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for five seasons with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) from 1980 to 1984. Sims played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, earning consensus All-American honors twice, and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1978. He was selected by the Lions with first overall pick of the 1980 NFL draft. After three Pro Bowl selections, his career was prematurely ended by a knee injury suffered in 1984.

Sims was the last Oklahoma player taken number one overall in the NFL draft until quarterback Sam Bradford was taken first in the 2010 draft.[1][2]

Sims was nicknamed "Kung Fu Billy Sims" by ESPN's Chris Berman, following a game between the Lions and the Houston Oilers. In the NFL Films highlight, rather than be tackled during a rushing attempt, Sims ran at, jumped, and, while fully airborne, kicked Oilers cornerback Steve Brown in the head.[