Orenthal James Simpson, famously known as O.J. Simpson, who rose to fame as an American football running back and later became embroiled in one of the most sensationalized trials in American history, has died at the age of 76. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, after battling prostate cancer.
Simpson’s legacy in the world of American football is undeniably monumental. Born on July 9, 1947, he played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy, and was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. Over his eleven seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Buffalo Bills and later the San Francisco 49ers, Simpson solidified his status as one of the greatest running backs of all time.
During his tenure with the Bills, Simpson racked up numerous accolades, including five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro selections from 1972 to 1976. He led the league in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns twice. Simpson’s crowning achievement came in 1973 when he became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, a record that still stands for a 14-game regular season. His prowess on the field earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Simpson pursued a career in acting and broadcasting following his retirement from professional football. Despite his successes, Simpson’s public image was forever tarnished by his involvement in the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994.
The ensuing trial, which captivated audiences worldwide, ended in Simpson’s controversial acquittal. However, he was later found liable for the deaths in a civil suit brought by the victims’ families. Simpson’s legal troubles continued in 2007 when he was arrested and charged with armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was convicted in 2008 and sentenced to 33 years’ imprisonment, serving nine years before being granted parole in 2017.
In December 2021, Simpson was released from parole by the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation. Tragically, his life came to an end in 2024 due to prostate cancer, closing the chapter on a life marked by extraordinary athletic achievements and profound controversy.
Simpson’s passing has sparked reflections on his complex legacy, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact he had both on the football field and in the annals of American legal history.
