The family of O.J. Simpson, a retired NFL icon, has confirmed his demise at the age of 76 following a prolonged struggle with cancer.
A statement posted on his social media accounts reads: “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.”
Sources suggest that he had been grappling with prostate cancer.
Simpson solidified his legacy as one of the premier running backs in NFL annals throughout his decade-long stint with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
After his football days, Simpson seamlessly transitioned into the world of acting, leaving his mark on both cinema and television with appearances in a plethora of movies and TV shows.
Read also: Kate, Princess Of Wales, Announces Cancer Diagnosis
O.J. Simpson’s collegiate journey saw him don the colors of the USC Trojans from 1967 to 1968, where his exceptional talent on the football field led to his coveted Heisman Trophy triumph in 1968, honoring him as the nation’s premier college football player.
In his professional journey, Simpson was selected by the Buffalo Bills as the top overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. He proudly wore the Buffalo Bills jersey from 1969 to 1977, before joining the San Francisco 49ers for the 1978 and 1979 seasons.
Simpson’s NFL career was adorned with accolades, including five Pro Bowl appearances and the coveted NFL MVP title in 1973. Moreover, he etched his name in NFL history books by becoming the pioneer to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, accomplishing this groundbreaking feat in 1973.
While Simpson’s football career boasted success, his legacy is marred by controversies, particularly his high-profile criminal trial in 1995 for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, resulting in his acquittal. Nonetheless, a subsequent civil trial found him liable for their deaths, tarnishing his reputation.