Former Bills, 49ers RB O.J. Simpson passes away at age 76
Former Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers running back O.J. Simpson has passed away, his family announced on Twitter on Thursday. "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildrenDuring this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes […]
Former Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers running back O.J. Simpson has passed away, his family announced on Twitter on Thursday.
"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 Simpson Family," they wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Simpson passed away at the age of 76.
After leading an impressive college career at USC, Simpson was drafted by the Bills in the first round with the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft. He remained with Buffalo for nine seasons before moving to San Francisco in 1978 for two seasons.
He officially retired in 1979, with 11,236 rushing yards, 2,142 receiving yards, and 990 kick return yards, totaling 14,368 all-purpose yards in 135 games. Simpson scored 76 total touchdowns – 61 rushing, 14 receiving and one on a kick return.
Throughout his career, Simpson was named the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1973. He also was a five-time first-team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler.
ProFootball Hall of Fame president Jim Porter released a statement on Simpson's passing:
“O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards. His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”
Following his playing career, Simpson began acting; however, in 1994 he was arrested and charged with the murders of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman. This was a highly publicized trial, and Simpson was eventually acquitted of the murders. Afterward, he was found liable by a civil jury for the wrongful death of and battery against Goldman, and battery against Brown.
In 2007, he was arrested once again and charged with armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas. Simpson was found guilty and sentenced to 33 years' imprisonment, with a minimum of nine years without parole. He was released in October 2017 after serving nine years.
