OJ Simpson dead. Former American football player and actor O.J. Simpson has passed away from cancer at 76. In 1995, he was found not guilty in a highly debated case involving the murder of his wife and her friend.
“On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, died battling cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you respect their request for privacy and grace,” a statement on X (formerly Twitter) said.
Simpson, known as “The Juice,” set records as both a college and professional football player. He also gained fame and wealth as a sports caster and actor in film and television.
Read also: Legendary Black Actor Louis Gossett Jr. dies at 87
Double murder charge
On June 12, 1994, everything changed when Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman were brutally stabbed to death. Five days after the murders, 95 million Americans watched a televised police chase of Simpson through Los Angeles, lasting about two hours.
Simpson later surrendered to police and stood trial for the killings. In October 1995, after 11 months of jury selection and trial, Simpson was acquitted in a highly publicized trial that was televised daily and captivated audiences worldwide.
More about OJ Simpson
Orenthal James Simpson was a prominent American football player, actor, and broadcaster. He had an illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL) spanning 11 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, where he earned acclaim as one of the greatest running backs in history. Despite his professional achievements, Simpson’s legacy was marred by his highly publicized trial and controversial acquittal for the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994.
Simpson rose to fame during his college years, playing football for the USC Trojans and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy as a senior. He was selected first overall by the Bills in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. During his tenure with the Bills, Simpson received numerous accolades, including five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors from 1972 to 1976. He led the league in rushing yards four times, rushing touchdowns twice, and points scored in 1975. In a historic moment, Simpson became the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973, earning him the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He retired from the San Francisco 49ers in 1979.
After retiring from football, Simpson pursued a career in acting and broadcasting. He was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (1983) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1985).
Simpson faced legal troubles again in 2007 when he was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, for armed robbery and kidnapping. He was convicted in 2008 and sentenced to 33 years in prison, serving time until his parole in 2017. Despite his release, Simpson’s personal and legal controversies continued to shadow his legacy until his death in 2024.