O.J. Simpson, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who became infamous after his highly publicized murder trial in the 1990s, has died at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer.
Simpson’s family confirmed his passing on Wednesday in Las Vegas, where he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Simpson’s 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
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Simpson had revealed in May 2023 that he had “caught cancer” and underwent chemotherapy, expressing optimism that he had “beat it” at the time. However, reports emerged in February 2024 that the 76-year-old was again receiving treatment for an unspecified cancer. Simpson denied rumors of being in hospice care but acknowledged dealing with health issues.
Once a record-breaking college and professional football player nicknamed “The Juice,” Simpson’s fame extended to broadcasting, acting, and endorsement deals before his life took a tragic turn. In 1994, he stood trial for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman, a case that captivated the nation. Though acquitted, Simpson’s reputation was irreparably tarnished.
In 2007, Simpson faced legal troubles again after leading an armed robbery in Las Vegas to retrieve sports memorabilia he claimed was his. Convicted in 2008, he served nearly nine years in prison before being released on parole in 2017.
Before the Trial of Century, Simpson was known on the football field as one of the best running backs of all time.
He became USC’s second Heisman Trophy winner in 1968, earning the most first-place votes (855) in the award’s history. That season, he established a then-NCAA single-season rushing record with 1,709 yards as he guided the Trojans to a Rose Bowl appearance, where they lost to top-ranked Ohio State despite Simpson’s 171 yards and 80-yard TD.
In his two seasons at USC, Simpson was a unanimous All-American in back-to-back years and equaled or bettered 19 NCAA, conference and school records.
Then in 1969, the Buffalo Bills made Simpson the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Simpson went on to make five first-team All-Pro squads and six Pro Bowls. He was named MVP in 1973, when he became the first to rush for 2,000 yards in a season (doing it in 14 games) while averaging 141.3 yards per game, still an NFL record.
Simpson spent nine years with the Buffalo Bills before wrapping up his career with two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
Simpson stayed in the spotlight after retirement, working as a commentator for “Monday Night Football” and continuing his acting career, notably in “The Naked Gun” trilogy.
Simpson is survived by four children from his two marriages, including Sydney and Justin, whom he shared with Nicole Brown. One of his sons from his first marriage had passed away in a drowning accident in 1979.
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