Being in Michigan and mostly traveling along the East Coast, I do not know much about “the great plain states’, especially Oklahoma. The only thing I think of is the musical; “Oklahoma.” My mother and grandmother were huge musical fans who played those albums often and, of course, knew all the words.
“Oklahoma!” is one of the most iconic and beloved American musicals of all time, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote it, and first premiered on Broadway in 1943. Set in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s, the show tells the story of a love triangle between a cowboy named Curly, a farmhand named Jud, and a farm girl named Laurey.
Featuring a blend of drama, comedy, and romance, Oklahoma is known for its catchy songs and lively dances. Some of the most famous songs from the show include “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and the show-stopping title song, “Oklahoma!”.
Besides the musical, when I think of tornados, I think of Oklahoma. While it truly is an unfortunate trait to be famous for, it still stands. Kansas and Oklahoma ranked first and second, respectively, in the number of tornadoes per area, with Tornado Alley running straight through Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
The three top things Oklahoma is famous for are:
- American football
- Oil production
- Agriculture
Football, seriously? As a proud alumnus of The University of Michigan, where I witnessed the incredible achievement of the Wolverines winning the 2024 NCAA Football Championship, I had always assumed that football originated in the Eastern or Midwestern states.
However, according to Oklahoma History, “The sport of football, which developed in the Ivy League colleges of the northeast, was still evolving as young men in Indian and Oklahoma territories adopted the game. In the early twentieth century most Oklahoma colleges that could find enough willing students fielded a team. Even before the rise of the OU football powerhouse after World War II, Oklahoma had contributed to the game of football. The young state produced Jim Thorpe, who was a two-time All-American at Carlisle and was elected as the first president of the National Football League.”
Oklahoma’s fame in the realm of American football cannot be understated. The state’s passion for the sport is deeply ingrained in its culture, and its teams have achieved incredible success at various levels.
One of the main reasons behind Oklahoma’s prominence in football is the historic success of its college teams, particularly the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Sooners, with their crimson and cream colors, have a storied football program that has consistently been ranked among the nation’s top teams. They have won numerous national championships and have produced legendary coaches and players alike (so have Michigan college teams).
History of Oklahoma football timeline
The program began in 1895 and is one of the most successful in history, having won 944 games and possessing a .725 winning percentage, both sixth all-time.
The University of Oklahoma’s football program has been led by renowned coaches such as Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer, who have both achieved remarkable winning records and national titles. Michigan has had Bo Schembechler, Jim Harbough, and Fielding H. Yost. These esteemed individuals have left a lasting legacy in the football world and have significantly contributed to Michigan’s prominence in the sport.
Back to Oklahoma…The team has also produced iconic players like Steve Owens, Billy Sims, and Adrian Peterson, who have left indelible marks on the sport. (Billy Sims went on to be a Detroit Lion)
Similarly, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have had their share of success. Under coaches such as Pat Jones and Mike Gundy, the Cowboys have become a perennial contender in the Big 12 Conference. Notably, their success has been bolstered by the presence of star talents like Thurman Thomas, Barry Sanders, and Dez Bryant.
Okay, now I can officially take Oklahoma’s football notoriety seriously. All you had to say was Barry Sanders. Arguably one of the best running backs of all time, who played ten seasons with the Detroit Lions (1989–98), leading the National Football League (NFL) in rushing four times and was selected every year for the Pro Bowl.
And Sanders also went on to retire from Detroit and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Detroit Lion. Recently, during a string of wins for the Lions, you could see Barry Sanders on the sideline, rooting his Detroit team on to greatness. Next year – keep coming back Barry!
But I digress; we’re talking about Oklahoma, not Michigan.
How many OU players have won the Heisman?
The Heisman Memorial Trophy (/ˈhaɪzmɪn/ HYZE-min; usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman) is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. - Wikipedia
Since Heisman’s creation in 1935, seven Sooners have won the award. OU tied with Ohio State, Notre Dame, and USC for the most Heisman winners in the nation.
- Kyler Murray, 2018 drafted by Arizona Cardinals
- Baker Mayfield, 2017, drafted by the Cleveland Browns
- Sam Bradford, 2008, drafted by the St. Louis Rams
- Jason White, 2003 N/A (Did not make it to the NFL)
- Billy Sims, 1978, drafted by Detroit Lions
- Steve Owens, 1969, drafted by Detroit Lions
- Billy Vessels, 1952, drafted by Baltimore Colts
While winning the Heisman Trophy does not come with a cash prize, it does significantly increase a player’s chances of signing a professional contract. The trophy itself does not hold any monetary value, but the recognition and prestige that come with it can open doors for financial opportunities.
For example, although Jason White left Oklahoma as its all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns due to his long history of injuries, he wasn’t drafted by the NFL and retired from the sport in 2005.
3 things Oklahoma is famous for
In conclusion, Oklahoma is famous for several notable aspects, including its significant contribution to American football, producing legendary players who have not only excelled on the college field but also made a mark in the NFL.
Additionally, the state’s association with tornadoes and its position in Tornado Alley has garnered attention globally. Lastly, Oklahoma’s rich oil production and thriving agricultural industry have played a crucial role in the state’s economy and reputation.