O.J. Simpson is a name known by millions of people across the world. At his athletic peak, Simpson was one of the most popular figures in America. Then, when he was on trial for the murders of his ex-wife and her friend in 1994, he was the center of the “Trial of the Century.” Ultimately acquitted of stabbing to death Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, Simpson eventually spent time behind bars for a robbery in Las Vegas.
On Wednesday, Simpson’s family announced on social media that the Hall of Fame running back had passed away following a battle with cancer. Simpson was 76.
“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 family posted on Simpson’s X account.
On the football field, few players have ever matched Simpson’s level. While at USC, Simpson won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 while earning 855 first-place votes — the most in history. That year, Simpson rushed for a then-record 1,709 yards including a 171-yard performance in the Rose Bowl. O.J. was a unanimous All-American in both of his seasons with the Trojans and left school having matched or set 19 NCAA, conference and school records.
“Juice” went on to be the No. 1 pick of the 1969 NFL Draft. As a member of the Buffalo Bills, Simpson was a five-time First-Team All-Pro and won the 1973 MVP. In ’73, Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in 14 games — his 141.3 yards per game remains a record. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985, Simpson led the NFL in rushing four times and finished in the top-4 of MVP voting four years in a row (1972-75).
