Bradford Statue to be Erected August 31

Bradford statue to join those of OU Heisman winners: Vessels, Owens, Sims and White.

Sam Bradford

NORMAN, Okla. -- Sam Bradford is gearing up for his second season in the National Football League and because the St. Louis Rams' quarterback is involved in that preparation, he will be unable to return to the Oklahoma campus this fall for a formal dedication of his statue in Heisman Park.

OU officials have announced that they will move ahead to erect the statue on Aug. 31, with no ceremony, but will celebrate the piece when Bradford is able to attend. The statue was unveiled on May 14, at the Sooner Spectacular in Oklahoma City. Bradford was in attendance at that event.

Previous dedications have taken place the day before or day of Sooner home games.

"Recognizing the statue of Heisman winner Sam Bradford was unveiled this past spring, we are excited for it to be placed alongside our other four winners." said OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione.

"Unfortunately, our home schedule didn't coincide with Sam's, so we're moving ahead with plans to have it installed with the blessing of the Bradford family knowing that we'll hold a formal ceremony later."

Bradford, the 2008 Heisman winner, approved the installation and looks forward to a time when he can get back for a ceremony.

"I am flattered to be honored this way and humbled to be mentioned with people like Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White," he said. "Unfortunately, due to my responsibilities with the Rams, I can't get back to campus this fall as the statue is placed in Heisman Park, but I remain very appreciative.

"My family and I had the opportunity to review the statue during its development and we're pleased with the final product. I look forward to a time when I can get back to Oklahoma and celebrate the OU tradition with Sooner fans."

Jack Nortz at MTM Recognition was the lead sculptor. The statue was in production for six months and was monitored by Bradford during that time. It stands 10 feet tall atop a three-foot base and weighs 1,200 pounds.

It will join existing statues of Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White, OU's other Heisman Trophy winners.