Oklahoma Sooners to Erect Statue at Gaylord Family Honoring Sam Bradford for His Legacy and Impact on Franchise Greatness
The University of Oklahoma has announced plans to honor one of its most iconic quarterbacks, Sam Bradford, with a statue outside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The statue will commemorate Bradford’s legendary college career and lasting influence on the Sooners football program, recognizing him among the pantheon of Sooner greats. The announcement comes as part of OU’s ongoing tradition of immortalizing Heisman Trophy winners and players who have made an enduring impact on the program.
Bradford, a native of Oklahoma City, became a household name during his time with the Sooners from 2007 to 2009. His breakout sophomore season in 2008 remains one of the most statistically dominant in college football history. That year, he led the nation in touchdown passes (50), threw for over 4,700 yards, and guided the Sooners to the BCS National Championship Game. His stellar performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him the second sophomore ever to win the prestigious award and the sixth Sooner to receive it.
Beyond his on-field statistics, Bradford’s legacy is rooted in his leadership, poise, and representation of the program’s values. Coaches, teammates, and fans often speak of his calm demeanor, football IQ, and work ethic—traits that not only brought success to the team but also set a standard for future quarterbacks at OU. Under head coach Bob Stoops, Bradford was the centerpiece of one of the most explosive offenses in college football, and his name remains synonymous with the program’s modern-era resurgence.
The statue unveiling, scheduled to coincide with a home game during the 2025 season, will be the latest addition to the “Heisman Park” tradition outside the stadium, where statues of other legends like Billy Sims, Jason White, and Baker Mayfield already stand. University President Joseph Harroz Jr. and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione emphasized the importance of celebrating not just athletic achievement, but the values of humility, perseverance, and community representation that Bradford exemplified during his tenure.
Though injuries impacted his NFL career after being selected first overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft, Bradford’s impact on Oklahoma football has remained undiminished. He has continued to serve as a proud ambassador for the university, frequently returning to Norman and staying involved with the football program and various charitable efforts. His statue is more than a tribute to past glory—it represents a bridge between eras and a lasting reminder of what excellence looks like at OU.
As the Sooners prepare to enter a new era in the SEC, honoring a foundational figure like Sam Bradford reaffirms the program’s storied legacy. His name will now be etched in stone and bronze, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike. In the words of Bob Stoops, “Sam is one of the all-time greats—not just because of what he did, but because of who he is.” The statue will stand as a symbol of greatness achieved, and greatness still to come.
