SUMMARY
- O.J. Simpson was one of the best NFL players in the 1970s.
- Simpson created a lasting legacy through his performances on the field and through his charisma off it.
Orenthal James Simpson, better known as O.J. Simpson, was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California. Raised in the Golden State, Simpson’s childhood wasn’t easy. Despite facing challenges, he found solace and purpose in sports, particularly football.
Simpson’s athletic prowess became evident during his high school years in Galileo where he was an All-City football player. He excelled in both football and track.
He joined the City College of San Francisco in 1965 and was named to the Junior College All-American team as a running back. His exceptional skills on the football field earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). At USC, Simpson became a college football star, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 after being a runner-up a year prior.
After college, Simpson went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing primarily for the Buffalo Bills. He became one of the most celebrated football players of his time, breaking records and earning accolades. Simpson’s charm and charisma off the field also led to successful ventures in acting and broadcasting. However, his life of extreme highs and lows was just starting.
O.J. Simpson’s extraordinary football career
In the 1969 NFL/AFL draft, Simpson was selected by the Buffalo Bills. He reportedly asked for the largest contract in sports history at the time – $650,000 for five years. Simpson’s request was approved and his decade-long journey as an NFL player began.
One of the greatest RBs in NFL history has passed, OJ Simpson has died at age 76. The 1973 NFL MVP, Simpson was a 5x Pro Bowler & 1st Team NFL, 4x NFL scoring leader, 2x NFL TD leader, as well as a Nat’l Champ & Heismen winner at USC. RIP to The Juice pic.twitter.com/uHvQvdRS45
— Sidelines Sports Network™ (@Sidelines_SN) April 11, 2024
His career achievements include being the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1973), NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1973), 5x First-team All-Pro (1972–1976), and 5x Pro Bowl (1972–1976). Moreover, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He was also named as a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, and Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame.
Simpson played nine seasons for the Bills before joining the San Francisco 49ers for the last two seasons of his career. Simpson’s career was a relatively short one spanning 11 seasons. He played his last NFL game on December 16, 1979.
Murder case and robbery conviction: The fall of O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson, the football hero, faced a big fall because of some serious legal troubles. It all started in 1994 with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson was the main suspect, and the whole country couldn’t take their eyes off the trial.
The trial was a big deal, with lots of media attention and racial tension. In the end, Simpson got off the hook in 1995, but people still doubted him. Despite being cleared of the murders, Simpson’s image was forever tarnished. The cloud of suspicion over him cast a shadow on his once-glamorous career and personal life.
But things got even worse later on. In 2007, Simpson got himself into another mess, this time in Las Vegas. He tried to steal sports memorabilia he believed was his, but it went all wrong. Simpson ended up behind bars.
The Las Vegas robbery case further maligned Simpson’s reputation and made people think even worse of him. It portrayed him as a desperate figure willing to resort to criminal means. In 2008, he was found guilty on multiple charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping, and sentenced to years of prison time. He was released after spending nine years in prison.
The combination of the murder trial and the robbery conviction painted a damning portrait of O.J. Simpson—a fallen icon whose fame and fortune were eclipsed by scandal and disgrace. His actions not only shattered his own life but also tarnished the achievements and accolades he had amassed during his illustrious football career.
O.J. Simpson died due to cancer on April 10, 2024
At the age of 76, the death of O.J. Simpson was announced by his family. In a statement, his family wrote, “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.”
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
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
In May 2023, Simpson posted a video on X and claimed that he “caught cancer” and “had to do the whole chemo thing.” He added, “It looks like I beat it.” At the time, Simpson did not specify what cancer.
Then, in February 2024, NBC Sports reported that Simpson was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Months later, in April, his death was announced by his family.
