By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Heisman Trophy winner and former pro football running back Billy Sims stopped in Junction City on Saturday and signed autographs at the restaurant that bears his name, Billy Sims Barbecue, on West 6th Street.
Sims won the Heisman Trophy in 1978 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners and received All America recognition two times. He spent five seasons from 1980 to 1984 playing for the Detroit Lions before his career was ended by a knee injury in 1984. Sims earned three Pro Bowl selections.
Sims founded the chain of Billy Sims Barbecue restaurants along with his business partner Jeff Jackson. The restaurant chain is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and there has been an outlet in Junction City for several years.
Sims said he remains in contact with former Sooner teammates. "We stay in touch. We're getting older now. I'm 69 now and I've got some friends that blocked for me and helped me win the Heisman that are still around so we try to have a good time when we get together."
During his Junction City visit he told the public that he appreciated their business. "It's all about the customer. Hopefully they enjoy the food."
