BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners to Honor Sam Bradford with Statue at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
In a move that cements his status as one of the most iconic figures in program history, the University of Oklahoma announced on Tuesday that former quarterback Sam Bradford will be immortalized with a statue outside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The announcement was met with thunderous applause from Sooner fans and alumni alike, marking another proud chapter in the university’s rich football tradition.
The statue, scheduled to be unveiled during the 2025 season, will stand among other legends of the program—most notably Heisman Trophy winners and all-time greats such as Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Jason White, and Baker Mayfield. Bradford’s bronze likeness will join this pantheon in celebration of his contributions to the Sooners and his role in carrying the program to national prominence during the late 2000s.
The Legacy of Sam Bradford
A product of Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, Bradford arrived at OU in 2006 and quickly established himself as one of the most accurate and poised quarterbacks in college football history. In just his sophomore season in 2008, he won the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns while leading the Sooners to a 12-1 record and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game.
“Sam Bradford was a generational talent,” said current OU head coach Brent Venables. “But more importantly, he was the ultimate teammate. He carried himself with humility, grit, and intelligence—values that define what it means to be a Sooner.”
Bradford’s impact wasn’t just statistical—it was foundational. Under then-head coach Bob Stoops, he commanded an explosive offense that set scoring records and revolutionized the passing game in the Big 12. With Bradford under center, Oklahoma averaged 51.1 points per game in 2008, at the time the most prolific scoring offense in college football history.
His career numbers remain staggering: over 8,400 passing yards, 88 touchdown passes, and a 67.6% completion rate in just three seasons. Even after an injury-plagued junior year, Bradford’s draft stock never wavered. He was selected No. 1 overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft, the second Sooner to earn that distinction after Lee Roy Selmon in 1976.
More Than Just a Heisman Winner
While the Heisman Trophy is often considered the crowning achievement in college football, Bradford’s influence extended beyond the field. As one of the first Native American players of Cherokee heritage to win the award, he inspired countless young athletes across Oklahoma and beyond.
“Representation matters,” said Joe Castiglione, Oklahoma’s athletic director. “And Sam’s success showed every young person—especially those from indigenous communities—that greatness can come from anywhere.”
His soft-spoken demeanor and deep sense of community made Bradford a favorite among teammates and coaches. Even after entering the NFL, he remained closely tied to the university, contributing to fundraising initiatives, mentoring young quarterbacks, and supporting OU athletics.
The Statue: A Symbol of Legacy
The Bradford statue will be designed by noted sports sculptor Blair Buswell, whose previous works include statues of Heisman winners at Oklahoma and other universities. The statue will reportedly depict Bradford in classic form—dropping back in the pocket, eyes downfield, mid-throw—a perfect representation of his calm, clinical approach to the game.
“We want this statue to reflect not just Sam’s greatness on the field, but also his poise, his leadership, and his pride in being an Oklahoma Sooner,” Buswell said.
The unveiling ceremony is tentatively scheduled for October 18, 2025, during Oklahoma’s marquee home game against Texas Tech. The university expects a full-capacity crowd and a large alumni presence for the event, which will feature remarks from Bradford, Stoops, Castiglione, and other key figures from the program.
A Legacy That Lives On
Bradford’s influence continues to shape the Sooners’ quarterback lineage, one of the most prestigious in college football. From Landry Jones to Kyler Murray and now into the next generation, each has cited Bradford as a role model both on and off the field.
“Growing up watching Sam Bradford was like watching a masterclass in quarterbacking,” said current Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold. “He’s the standard we all chase.”
Bradford’s success also helped elevate the program’s recruiting, visibility, and national brand. His presence helped usher in a modern era of Oklahoma football defined by high-octane offense and elite quarterback play.
In recent years, the university has made efforts to honor its most significant contributors more visibly. The Bradford statue is just the latest in a series of moves aimed at reinforcing the historical identity of Oklahoma football while inspiring future generations of players and fans.
Bradford Responds
In a rare public statement, Bradford expressed humility and gratitude upon learning of the statue plans.
“I’m incredibly honored,” Bradford said. “Oklahoma means the world to me. Everything I achieved was possible because of my teammates, my coaches, and the incredible support I received from Sooner Nation. To be remembered in this way is more than I ever could’ve dreamed.”
Though he’s largely stayed out of the public spotlight since retiring from the NFL in 2019, Bradford has remained active behind the scenes, particularly with philanthropic work and youth sports development in Oklahoma. Many expect his speech at the unveiling to be a highlight of the 2025 season.
Conclusion
As the Sooners prepare to enter a new era of SEC competition, the Bradford statue serves as both a tribute to the past and a reminder of the excellence that defines Oklahoma football. His legacy is written not just in records or awards, but in the pride and passion he instilled in generations of fans.
With this statue, Sam Bradford’s story will stand forever—etched in bronze, honored by a grateful un
iversity, and enshrined in the heart of Sooner Nation.