OJ Simpson, former NFL star, Heisman winner, dead at 76

Hall of Fame running back and former Buffalo Bill OJ Simpson died Wednesday after a battle with cancer, according to his family.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his Twitter account read. “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.”

As a player, Simpson played the bulk of his career with the Bills from 1969-77 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1978-79.

He was inducted into the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame for his on-the-field accomplishments.

The 1973 MVP finished his career with 11,236 yards, 61 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry, 203 catches, 2,142 receiving yards and 14 touchdown receptions.

Prior to his NFL career, Simpson had a stellar career at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 for the Trojans. He finished his college career with 3,423 yards, 36 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry, 36 catches and 320 receiving yards.

Simpson’s personal life was discussed often in his post football life. The former running back was accused and charged for the murders of his wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman back in June of 1994.

He was later acquitted but the families of Goldman and Brown-Simpson filed a civil lawsuit against OJ Simpson. He was found liable for the wrongful death and battery against both individuals was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.

Amid other legal troubles, Simpson eventually went to prison for a robbery in Las Vegas. He led a group of men into a room at the Palace Station Hotel Casino and took sports memorabilia at gunpoint.

On December 5, 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison with possibility of parole after nine. He was granted parole on 2013 but continued imprisonment and was eventually released on October 1, 2017 .

Simpson was released from parole in 2021 for good behavior. He made his presence known on social media, particularly Twitter, where he talked about his golf game and fantasy football.