Former OU running back Billy Sims is doing his part to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"I know a lot of people, personally, who have had to go through a lot of issues down there," Sims said. "I've even taken in one of my former teammates, Louis Oubre."
Sims, the 1978 Heisman winner, said he is excited about charter schools the AmericaCan organization is setting up in the Dallas area. AmericaCan is a program to help troubled youths.
He said 10 schools are running, and that they are taking in Katrina victims.
"Each person has their own story," Sims said. "Each story needs to be told."
On a lighter note, Sims said he has combined two things he likes: football and barbecue.
"Sooner fans have been real supportive and have made it a great success," he said.
Billy Sims Barbecue has locations in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Sims plans expansion into the Oklahoma City area next year.
In 1978, Sims rushed for 1,762 yards. The superstar praised OU sophomore Adrian Peterson.
"He is a one of a kind," Sims said. "He's fast and strong and tough. Right now, he could play for any NFL team."
After he left OU, Sims made three NFL Pro Bowls with the Detroit Lions and scored 42 touchdowns before an injury forced him to retire in 1984.
"I have no regrets," Sims said. "I was blessed to be able to play this game at the high school, college and pro levels. Now I'm blessed and excited about these charter schools and helping kids find their way. It's great to be alive."
hello there & you too
The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts about this article. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or straying from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of OUDaily.com. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register