Billy Sims

Well, and make no mistake, I think coaches, when they do suspend somebody, they know that they've got somebody behind them that can play.

Well, when Oklahoma had Billy Sims, Lou Holtz and his team, Arkansas, and I did the game down, I believe it was down in the Orange Bowl, played Arkansas.

Oklahoma, I should say, and Lou suspended two of his players.

On the very first play, Oklahoma fumbles, and Arkansas killed them.

Dexter Bussey was SELFLESS! When discussing legendary running backs in Detroit, many think of Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, and Doak Walker.

But Dexter Bussey's place in that conversation deserves to be remembered.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bussey's college career began at the University of Oklahoma, which, at the time, was a running back factory, led by head coach Chuck Fairbanks and offensive coordinator Barry Switzer.

Heading into 1980, Busse would face a difficult decision.

The Lions wanted to add another dimension to their backfield, which meant the seasoned vet would have to take a step back.

Detroit ended up drafting Billy Sims first overall, and Bussey unselfishly made the switch to fullback.

While he weighed close to 20 pounds less than his new running mate, Bussey found a way to open holes for Sims.

He also made the most of his opportunities as a ball carrier, and quietly made a statement with his efficiency in Sims' debut.

[laughs] Okay.

Billy S- Billy Sims.

I'd, I'd probably fi- I'd probably flip out if I met Billy Sims.

Well, my dad was, uh, n- next to Billy Sims on a flight, and he brought back this napkin signed to me.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I think you could've found Billy Sims around Detroit if you're old enough.

I know, I know.

Look how nice that ...

Look, that's Billy Sims over here." Just kinda cruising, Teej.

Just enjoying Flood Avenue.

Oh, look at the car wash.

Yeah, it was impressive.

Billy Merrick at one point held the, uh, he, he, he went to Wisconsin, and, uh, he was a halfback, and he, uh, held the record for consecutive 200-yard games, um, until, uh, until Bill- I think it was Billy Sims that broke it.

Wow.

He, did he, he went to some pro team and he got hurt though, didn't he? Was he, it wasn't the Bears.

Okay.

Billy Sims, 71.

Whoa.

Really? Uh-huh.

Jim Brown in 1963.

Billy Sims of the Lions in 1980.

Wow.

And Paul Hofer of the 49ers in 1980 for some reason.

I didn't even notice this.

I wish I had.

With Billy Sims being a college football Hall of Famer with Brown and Simpson.

He says two, three HOFers and one HOFer.