Simpson’s passing: The family confirmed via Simpson’s official X account, formerly Twitter, that he passed away on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer. His attorney also confirmed the news to TMZ, stating that Simpson died in Las Vegas.
Here are ten key points to remember about O.J. Simpson, the former NFL running back-turned-actor who was famously acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend:
How O.J. Simpson Met Nicole Brown
Nicole Brown worked as a waitress at the popular Beverly Hills eatery, The Daisy. Their paths crossed when Simpson dined there, sparking a swift and intense connection. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage in 1985. They welcomed two children, Sydney and Justin, before divorcing in 1992.
HIS SON’S EARLY DEATH
Three children blessed O.J. Simpson’s first marriage to Marguerite Whitley: Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren. Tragically, Aaren died in a drowning accident at the young age of two in the family’s pool in 1979.
O.J. Simpson’s NFL Career
O.J. Simpson’s NFL career was a blazing trail of records and recognition.
- At USC, he secured the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1968 and became the top overall draft pick in 1969.
- As a pro, Simpson shattered records, becoming the first player to break the 2,000-yard rushing barrier. His dominance was acknowledged with three NFL Player of the Year awards (1972, 1973, 1975).
- This stellar career culminated in his 1985 induction into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Simpson spent the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills (nine seasons), before finishing with the San Francisco 49ers for two years.
O.J. Simpson’s Overwhelming Fame
O.J. Simpson’s fame transcended the gridiron. Polls showed him as one of the three most recognizable faces in North America during his football reign. He shattered barriers in 1977, becoming the first pro football player gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. A year later, he cemented his pop culture status as the second ever athlete to host Saturday Night Live.
O.J. Simpson’s Acting Career
Beyond the football field, O.J. Simpson dabbled in acting. He landed comedic roles in the popular “Naked Gun” franchise (“From the Files of Police Squad!” in 1988 and “The Smell of Fear” in 1991). Interestingly, he was almost cast as the iconic villain in “The Terminator,” but producers felt his friendly persona wouldn’t translate well to a cold-blooded killer. He was also involved in a project called “Frogmen” just before the tragic events of 1994.
O.J. Simpson’s Hertz commercials
O.J. Simpson was a familiar face in Hertz rental car commercials, known for his energetic personality. One particularly memorable ad featured him showcasing his speed by breezing through an airport, leaving viewers with the impression that Hertz could get you on the move just as quickly.
O.J. Simpson Bronco Chase
In a dramatic turn of events, the police pursuit of O.J. Simpson in a white Ford Bronco captivated the nation. This low-speed chase, dubbed the “Bronco chase,” became a media spectacle. Television stations scrambled to broadcast the unfolding drama live, with some even prioritizing it over the NBA Finals.
News helicopters provided a bird’s-eye view of the erratic route, with cameras capturing a now-infamous image of Simpson in the backseat, his friend Al Cowlings at the wheel. The chase’s slow pace allowed for a surreal juxtaposition: throngs of onlookers cheering from freeway overpasses as Simpson’s vehicle inched towards his ex-wife’s burial location before ultimately returning to his residence.
O.J. Simpson’s Mother’s Testimony
O.J. Simpson’s mother, frail at 73, took a determined step for her son. Rising from her wheelchair, she walked with difficulty to the stand. There, she recounted her son’s childhood struggles with rickets and her own battle with rheumatoid arthritis, perhaps implying these conditions limited his physical capabilities on the night of the murders.
O.J. Simpson’s Books
Facing legal battles, O.J. Simpson turned to writing to help cover the costs. During his criminal trial, he co-authored a book titled “I Want to Tell You.” Years later, in 2008, he participated in a project titled “If I Did It,” which presented a hypothetical account of the murders. This highly controversial book sparked outrage and was ultimately pulled from publication. Simpson himself acknowledged the project’s financial motivation, even calling the proceeds “blood money,” but also cited a need to secure his children’s education.
Johnnie Cochran In The O.J. Simpson Trial
While Robert Shapiro served as O.J. Simpson’s initial attorney, Johnnie Cochran would become a central figure in the case. Initially hesitant, Cochran reportedly sought spiritual guidance before joining the defense team. Prior to his involvement, he even offered commentary on the trial as a legal analyst. His decision to join the defense catapulted him from a well-respected lawyer to a global legal icon.