Oklahoma Sooners are one of the most successful college football programs in the country. With a long list of accolades and titles, they have produced some of the greatest players to ever take the field. Today we look back at eight great Sooners who made indelible marks on their program and its legacy:
1. Adrian Peterson
Known as “AD” during his time with Oklahoma, Adrian Peterson is widely considered to be one of the best running backs in college football history. His incredible speed and agility make him an unstoppable force on offense, and he was also a standout defender as well. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and went on to become an All-Pro player for several NFL teams over his career.
2. Jason White
White was the starting quarterback for Oklahoma from 2001 to 2003 and was integral in leading the Sooners to a national title in 2000. He won two Heisman Trophies during his time at Oklahoma, and his passing accuracy set records that are yet to be broken. His leadership on the field made him one of the most popular players in Oklahoma football history.
3. Billy Sims
Sims is widely considered one of the best running backs ever to play for Oklahoma. His speed and agility made him nearly impossible to defend against, and he finished his career with 4,118 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns. He went on to become an NFL star after college, winning Rookie of the Year honors as well as being selected to the Pro Bowl several times.
4. Steve Owens
Owens was a two-time All-American running back for Oklahoma and is widely considered one of the best players in program history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1969 and finished his career with 3,867 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns.
5. Brian Bosworth
The “Boz” was an iconic figure during the mid-1980s for Oklahoma, playing both linebacker and fullback on defense and offense respectively. He won two Butkus Awards as the nation’s best college linebacker and remains one of the most recognizable figures in Sooners’ football history today.
6. Sam Bradford
2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford holds the distinction of being the first freshman to ever win the award. He was an exceptional quarterback for Oklahoma, setting several school records along the way.
7. Lee Roy Selmon
Selmon is widely considered one of the best defensive players in college football history and was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his time with Oklahoma, he recorded 512 tackles, seven fumble recoveries, and 27 sacks. He went on to become a six-time Pro Bowler as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
8. Tommy McDonald
McDonald played college football at Oklahoma from 1954-1956 and is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in college football history. He won the Maxwell Award and was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame. McDonald set numerous receiving records during his time at Oklahoma, making him one of the most decorated players in program history.
These eight players were some of the greatest to ever don the Oklahoma Sooners uniform. Their legacy will live on for generations to come, as they have all left their mark in college football and NFL history.