$4.5 million contract extension with Detroit. The matter wound up in court, and on February 10, 1984, a federal judge voided the Houston pact, sending Sims back to Detroit. Sims' career ultimately ended midway through the 1984 season when he suffered a catastrophic right knee injury in a game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21; in that game, Sims set the all-time Lions rushing record (now held by Barry Sanders) with 5,106 yards on 1,131 carries, or 4.5 yards per carry. Sims also caught 186 passes for 2,072 yards (11.1 yards per catch). He spent two years attempting to rehabilitate his knee before finally retiring in 1986. Sims remains a beloved sports figure in Detroit. His team uniform number 20 was worn five years after his retirement by Barry Sanders, and is currently retired as an unofficial "triumvirate" of the greatest Lions in the modern era to ever wear the number, which also includes Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney. Comeback attempt In 1988, four years after the knee injury that forced his retirement, Sims announced he was attempting a comeback with the Lions for the 1989 season -- which would be Sanders' rookie year. Speaking with Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom, Sims claimed to be "as fit as he was in 1983." He offered to play the season with a blank check, allowing Lions management to assess his value and fill in the salary amount accordingly. Sims hoped to meet with then-General Manager Russ Thomas and owner William Clay Ford, Sr. to discuss a spot on the team's roster. Despite some interest from Lions head coach Wayne Fontes, Sims never returned to the NFL. NFL career statistics Life after football Financial difficulties When Billy Sims retired from the Lions in 1984, he received a $1.9 million insurance settlement from Lloyd's of London, in addition to the several million dollars he earned during his playing career. Sims lost his accumulated wealth through a series of failed business ventures. His numerous businesses included a nightclub, a radio station, a dry cleaner, and a car parts manufacturer. Selling the Heisman In 1995, he sold his Heisman Trophy to Texas businessman Bob White, who had been a father figure to Sims since he was in the ninth grade; White's son played high school football with Sims. The trophy was sold to White with the agreement that it could be re-purchased