Former NFL football star, actor, broadcaster, and convicted armed robber and kidnapper, O.J. Simpson has died at the age of 76.
A statement made by O.J.’s family on X read: On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family
The controversial public figure was best known for being acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.
He rose to sports fame as a college football superstar at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 before seeing a record-setting career in the NFL playing for the Buffalo Bills. Earning the nickname “The Juice,” Simpson topped 1,000 yards rushing over five consecutive years, 1972 to 1976, and led the NFL in that category four times. In 1973, he became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. The running back also established league records (since broken) with his 23 touchdowns in 1975 and 273 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day 1976.
In 1979, Simpson retired from pro-football and pursued acting. First appearing in “The Klansman” in 1974, he starred in “The Naked Gun” and the film’s sequels. From movies to commercials, Simpson became a commentator for Monday Night Football and the NFL on NBC.
In June of 1994, Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson was found dead with her friend Ron Goldman. Stabbed to death in Brentwood, California, the murders and evidence shining a suspect light on Simpson catapulted the infamous “Bronco Chase.” Simpson was chased by police in his white Ford Bronco on a nationally televised pursuit.
Surrendering on June 17th, Simpson pleaded “absolutely, positively, 100 percent not guilty” to the murder charges.
