Tag Archives: lombardi award winner

NFL, University of Texas

Sims, Kenneth “Special K” (1959-2025)

Cards: Score 1990, Fleer 1990.
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent: 3/10    Received: 4/8  (29 days)
Failure: TTM 2024, C/o Home

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Kenneth Sims spent his ‘apprentice years’ learning to play DT rotating in behind Steve McMichael .
  • Sims then exploded onto the national scene in his Junior season, racking up 131 tackles.
  • As a Senior in 1981, he posted 23 tackles for loss- at the time a school record.
  • Sims finished his college career with 29 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, and 7 fumble recoveries.
  • Ken parlayed his amazing performance at the University of Texas into being the overall #1 pick of the 1982 draft.
  • At 6’5″, 291 Ken certainly possessed the size and athleticism to anchor the defensive line in the 3-4 alignment for the New England Patriots.
  • The Patriots felt they could kick him outside to play left defensive end.
  • Sims career unfortunately would be marred by injury, and only played 1 full 16 game slate in 1984 recording 96 tackles.
  • During the Patriots improbable 1985 Super Bowl run (XX), Ken had perhaps his finest season.
  • Had 5.5 sacks, 65 tackles, and 2 fumble recoveries in 13 games that year.
  • Unfortunately injuries during the 1983, 1986, and 1988 seasons, wiped out nearly 3 full seasons of play.
  • He’d retire after the 1989 season back to the Austin area. 
  • Ken is an avid Longhorn sports fan and spent time at the University studying sports management.
  • Later he’d move back to his hometown of Kosse, Tx.

ACCOLADES:

  • 1981 Lombardi Award
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • National Football Foundation
  • Longhorn Hall of Honor Inductee

NOTES:

Ironically McMichael also had a short stint with the Patriots after being drafted by them out of UT as well, but was cut and went on to greater glory for the Chicago Bears.

I had sent to Kenneth back in late 2024 with a UT Upper Deck 2011 Hack I had created- but he passed away before he was able to sign it.

TACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
36417.0500-.-0-.-

EPITAPH:

3/21/25- It has been reported that Kenneth passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was just 65.

College Football HoF, NFL, WLAF

Rocker, Tracy

Card: Score 1989, Score 1990, ProSet 1990
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Tracy Rocker was a monster for the Auburn Tigers from 1985-1988 at defensive tackle and finished his career there with 21 sacks, 354 tackles, and a consensus All-American. The 1989 draft was extremely deep, and although Rocker won the Outland and Lombardi Awards in 1988, it wouldn’t be until the 3rd round when the Washington Redskins called his name.

He started in 10 games his rookie season clogging up the running lanes, with his solid- if not unspectacular play, and recorded one fumble. It was good enough to earn him All-Rookie honors that year. In 1990 Tracy had 3.5 sacks in an injury shortened 7 game season. Tracy had a training camp battle with Darryl Grant and then suffered an injury. It became a game of numbers on the deep Redskins roster that Rocker ended up losing. A few teams gave him a look over, including the Dolphins, but did not make an offer.

Tracy was contacted by the fledgling WLAF in 1992. The Orlando Thunder, (who had a prolific offense but a feast or famine defense,) selected Rocker with their first round pick. He was eager to show that he still had what it took and to return to the NFL level, no matter what path he needed to take. During training camp though he slipped untouched on wet grass, and injured his knee.  Doctors later determined that Tracy needed arthroscopic knee surgery. It didn’t take long and by April, -two months after being drafted, Rocker was cut by the Thunder.

Rocker loves football, and decided to go into coaching defense and defensive line starting at the high school level that year. Tracy then moved on and has seen stints at: West Alabama, Troy State, Cincinnati, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. Eventually Tracy made his way back to his Alma Mater, Auburn, in 2009 remaining there through 2011. Rocker has also participated in the NFL coaching minority fellowship with the Colts (01) and Bucs (06). At this time, he’s returned to the pro ranks and currently coaches defensive line for the Tennessee Titans.

Despite not being successful as a player at the professional football level, Tracy Rocker is a great example of somebody who has really dug deep and overcame obstacles and adversity. Tracy was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

G/Gs 24/17   Tac N/a    Sac 3.5    Int  0   Yds  0   Avg -.-   Td 0   Lg -.-