Ernie Sims picking up awards after 1st season

Former Seminole linebacker was named to two All-Rookie teams.

Former FSU star and current Detroit Lion Ernie Sims had an impressive rookie season in the NFL. The linebacker led the team in tackles with 124 on the season. He finished 13th in the league in tackles and second amongst rookies. Now he is being recognized for his big year. Sims has been named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association NFL All-Rookie team and is also a member of Peter King’s all-rookie team.

Sims finished the season fifth in the NFC in tackles ahead of players like Lofa Tatupu, Jeremiah Trotter, Derrick Brooks and fellow rookie A.J. Hawk to name just a few. The outside linebacker started all 16 of the Lions games in 2006 recording 81 solo tackles, forcing one fumble, recovering one fumble and picking up half a sack. He recorded 10 tackles or more in eight games and had the most tackles by a Lions rookie since Chris Spielman in 1988.

Sims is one of three linebackers to be named to the PFW/PFWA NFL All-Rookie team. He is joined by the Packer’s Hawk and the Texans DeMeco Ryans. Ryans, Hawk and D’Qwell Jackson all made King’s rookie team on SI.com.