Statements on Jimbo Elrod

Following are statements on the death of 1975 OU All-America defensive end Jimbo Elrod. Elrod lettered in 1973 through 1975 and was a two-time All-Big Eight honoree. He also lettered as a wrestler in 1973 and '74.

OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione:
"We are shocked and saddened at the loss of Jimbo Elrod, a former Sooner All-American, but more importantly a friend and member of our family. He made a point to attend countless Sooner events, bringing his ever-present enthusiasm supporting his University and its people. We are praying for Diana's recovery and the well-being of the entire Elrod family. This is certainly a heart-breaking day."

OU Head Coach Bob Stoops:
"This is a very sad day for the OU Football family. Jimbo was an All-American player and person, a great friend of our program who loved his Sooners. He was a true joy to be around and we will miss him dearly. We wish Diana the absolute best in her recovery and are praying for Jimbo's entire family on this extremely difficult day."

Former OU Head Coach Barry Switzer:
"Great wrestler and a great football player. Wrestling is what made Jimbo such a great football player. It gave him great upper-body strength and quickness. He could really run. He was a tenacious player and a competitor. He was really good and he was a member of a great group at Oklahoma.

"Jimbo has always been an 18-year-old guy to me because that's what he was when I signed him. He always had movie-star looks and a lot of hair. I was always jealous of his hair. Everybody was. I called a lot of Jimbo's former coaches and teammates this morning. We lost a great one. It's devastating."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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