OJ Simpson, the former NFL star, who stood trial for the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman passed away April 10 in Las Vegas. Simpson was 76.
People magazine announced Simpson’s cause of death has been determined to be from prostrate cancer according to his Attorney Malcolm LaVergne. Back in May of 2023, Simpson had made an announcement that he had prostrate cancer.
His passing was announced by his family on X:
“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 former football star was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California. His early life was marked by adversity and challenges. Raised in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, Simpson endured a difficult childhood, as his family struggled financially and his parents’ marriage faced turmoil. Despite these obstacles, Simpson found his purpose in sports, particularly football.
In high school, Simpson excelled as an athlete, displaying remarkable talent on the football field. He earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where he became a star running back. In 1968 he earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy award.
Following his collegiate success, Simpson transitioned to professional football, joining the Buffalo Bills as the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. In Buffalo, he quickly became a household name, dazzling fans with his speed, agility, and unmatched ability to evade defenders. Simpson’s on-field achievements earned him numerous accolades, including five Pro Bowl selections and the NFL MVP award in 1973. However, his most significant accomplishment came in 1973 when he became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, a record that stood for more than a decade.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Simpson also made strides in the entertainment industry, appearing in films such as “The Towering Inferno” and “The Naked Gun” series. His charismatic persona and affable demeanor endeared him to audiences beyond the realm of sports.
However, in 1994 when Simpson became embroiled in one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history. His ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, were found brutally murdered outside Nicole’s home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Simpson quickly became the prime suspect in what would be dubbed the “Trial of the Century.” The subsequent legal proceedings, including the televised court trial, captivated the nation and sparked intense debate over race, celebrity, and the criminal justice system.
Despite a wealth of evidence implicating him in the murders, Simpson was acquitted of all criminal charges in 1995. However, he was later found liable for the deaths in a civil trial and ordered to pay millions in damages to the victims’ families. The case left a lasting impact on American culture, igniting discussions about systemic issues within the legal system and highlighting the influence of fame and privilege.
In the years following the trial, Simpson’s life continued to be filled with controversy and legal troubles, including his arrest and conviction in 2007 for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas. He served nine years in prison before being granted parole in 2017.
For the last years of his life, O.J. lived a low key life in Las Vegas. One of his favorite pastimes was posting to X. He has over 1 million followers and still has the support of some family members.
Simpson was cremated April 17 in downtown Las Vegas.
