Legendary running back and then criminal, OJ Simpson is dead.
Known for his sporting exploits but especially for his escapades off the field, former Bills running back OJ Simpson has died at the age of 76. His family announced his death on X from cancer.
“On April 10, our father Orenthal James Simpson lost his battle with illness. He left, surrounded by his family. In these difficult times, his loved ones ask that their privacy and prayers be respected,” we read in the press release.
OJ Simpson left his mark on American football in the 60s and 70s by winning the award for best college player in 1968 then that of MVP of the NFL regular season in 1973. That year, he became the first runner to reach the mark of 2000 rushing yards in a season. He was entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
But his posterity was seriously tarnished in the 90s. He was accused in 1994 of the double murder of his partner Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Although he was acquitted, this highly publicized trial had a significant impact and his legal setbacks have not stopped. In 2007, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping. He was finally released in 2017 and then exonerated in 2021.
