Former Sooner Jimbo Elrod Killed In Single Car Wreck

Monday, December 12th 2016, 10:17 am

By: News 9

James "Jimbo" Elrod was killed in a single car wreck on Turner Turnpike near Chandler early Monday morning.

Elrod played for the Sooners 1973-1975, was a part of both the 1974 and 1975 national championship teams, and earned consensus All-American status in 1975.

Elrod's wife, Diana, was also in the car at the time and was taken to the hospital in serious condition. James was pronounced dead at the scene.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol says James, the driver, drifted off the road to the right and when he tried to correct, hit a guardrail, causing the car to vault "end over end multiple times coming to rest in a ravine." James was ejected out of the car through the sunroof.

The OU Football program says this is a great loss for its community.

"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," said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "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."

Former OU Head Coach Barry Switzer says it's devastating.

"Great wrestler and a great football player," said Switzer. "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."

Head Coach Bob Stoops described Elrod as a "great friend of our program."

"This is a very sad day for the OU Football family. Jimbo was an All-American player and person... who loved his Sooners," said Stoops. "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."

Others in the Sooners community immediately shared its memories and condolences on social media.

Our hearts go out to the family of Jimbo Elrod today. A great Sooner, All-American, champion & friend.https://t.co/NlJ6kTLX2g pic.twitter.com/WoXaRW1J0I — Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 12, 2016

Please send prayers for OUr amazing SOONER/Dad/Husband/Friend/Teammate Jimbo Elrod I love yOU brother #54 All-American Human RIP #HEARTBROKE https://t.co/r8tDlT7fRm — Brian Bosworth (@GotBoz44) December 12, 2016

Watched a replay of our 1.1.76 Nat'l Champ Orange Bowl win & was reminded how dominant Jimbo Elrod was. Great guy. RIP @OU_Football @news9 — Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) December 12, 2016

Stay with News 9 for more information.