by Mona Austin
O.J. Simpson, the football legend whose acquittal in the death of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman overshadowed and illustrious sports career, has died at the age of 76.
The family shared in a statement that he passed away from cancer. “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the statement 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.”
While Simpson was found not guilty in the 1994 murder trial the ordeal tainted his life and legacy. The Heisman Trophy he had held since 1968 was stripped from him. Simpson was the top draft pick and first Black man to win the trophy as a player at USC. He went on to become an elite athlete in the NFL playing the position of Running Back for the Buffalo Bills. He appeared in television commercials for various products and served as a long-time sportscaster for NBC after playing 11 seasons of pro football.
Simpson's prostate cancer diagnosis was revealed in February of 2024. He was said to be undergoing chemotherapy treatments in hospice care.
Born in Louisiana, The Juice became one of the most fascinating figures in America. Simpson's legacy is that he was one of the first pro athletes to do endorsement and extend his image beyond the game.