Sims was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1980.  He is one of the few players to gain 100-yards rushing in his first two NFL games.  A holding penalty kept him from becoming the first player ever to have 100-yards rushing in his first three NFL games.  Sims had 96-yards rushing in his third NFL game and had a lengthy touchdown called back because of a holding penalty.

• 153 Yards rushing, 3 TDs vs LA Rams 1980 (Sims first game)

Despite his dislike for artificial turf, Sims still managed some brilliant games inside the Silverdome.  Including a 112 yard, two touchdown performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving in 1983, which helped propel the Lions to the Conference Championship.