Orenthal James Simpson, often known as O.J., was a legendary football player. Simpson had been battling cancer and was 76 years old. Simpson passed away on Wednesday, his children and grandchildren by his side, according to a message from his family on X.
Simpson was a famous figure in popular culture who played football and appeared in films and advertisements.
He gained notoriety in 1994 when he was charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson, his ex-wife, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Jurors found him not guilty in the 1995 stabbing deaths. The public was enthralled by the trial, which was broadcast nationwide. Nobody else was ever assessed a fee.
O.J. Simpson initially became well-known while playing football. In the late 1960s, he performed at the University of Southern California. On the field, the strong tailback swaggered, ran, and sparkled, leading the Trojans to a national title in 1967. In 1968, he was named the finest college football player and received the Heisman Trophy.
He spent 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, following his graduation from USC. Often referred to as “The Juice,” he participated in five Pro Bowls, won four rushing crowns, and broke the 2,000-yard barrier in 1973 as the first running back.
On June 17, 1994, Los Angeles police “chased” a white Ford Bronco carrying O.J. Simpson and driven at low speed by Al Cowlings on a freeway in Los Angeles.
He appeared in TV ads both during and after his professional career, most famously as a pitchman for Hertz, racing through airports to promote the rental car firm. Later on, he had more film appearances as filmmakers took advantage of his popularity and likeability.
His ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were discovered dead from stabbings outside of her Los Angeles home in 1994. Simpson was taken into custody shortly after, and the “low speed” white Bronco car pursuit that followed on the L.A. freeways was broadcast on national television. A criminal jury found him not guilty in 1995 of carrying out the crimes.
Dubbed the “trial of the century,” the decision sparked discussions on domestic violence, race, police misconduct, and celebrity across the United States.
A different civil jury found him responsible for the deaths two years later and mandated that he give the family $33 million.
That was not his only run-in with the law. He organized a group of guys to confront some sports memorabilia dealers in a hotel room in Las Vegas in 2007. A number of individuals had firearms with them, and Simpson was ultimately found guilty of armed robbery. He was granted parole in 2017 after spending nearly ten years behind bars in Nevada.
O.J. Simpson, pictured in September 2008 in Las Vegas, died Wednesday according to a family statement.
O.J. Simpson’s public curiosity never subsided. Several documentaries about the killings and his life were made about him.
FAQs
Has O.J. Simpson ever had a murder conviction?
Even though O.J. Simpson was put on trial for the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, he was cleared of all charges in 1995.
What effects on American society resulted from the O.J. Simpson trial?
Deep divisions exist in American society as a result of the trial, which spurred conversations about privilege, race, and the legal system.
Has O.J. Simpson encountered any legal issues following his acquittal?
Yes, Simpson was involved in legal issues. In 2008, he was found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas.
Did O.J. Simpson’s legal issues have an impact on his football career?
Simpson’s legal issues overshadowed his football career, with many people paying more attention to his contentious personal life than his on-field accomplishments.
What cultural impact did the O.J. Simpson trial have?
The trial gained widespread attention and sparked a plethora of books, films, and television shows delving into its complexities and ramifications.