Simpson, a former Buffalo running back, has passed away after battling cancer.
O.J. Simpson, the Hall of Fame running back who played for the Buffalo Bills from 1969 to 1977, has died at the age of 76.
Simpson’s family confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday, April 10, from cancer. Simpson confirmed in February that he had prostate cancer. The family stated that the former Bills running back died surrounded by relatives and requested privacy at this time. The announcement was confirmed by his lawyer.
Simpson, who carried for 11,236 yards in his career, was named to five consecutive Pro Bowls and received first-team All-Pro accolades from 1972 to 1976. The Buffalo running back was the first to dash for 2000 yards in a single season, earning the 1973 Most Valuable Player title. Simpson topped the league in rushing yards four times throughout his career and scored the most touchdowns twice. In 1975, he also led all players in points scored.
Simpson’s illustrious career earned him a place in the NFL Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1985, as well as a spot on the Bills’ Wall of Fame and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Following his playing career, he worked as a commentator on “Monday Night Football” from 1983 to 1985 before returning to acting in the “Naked Gun” films in 1988, 1991, and 1994. Simpson also appeared in the films “The Towering Inferno” and “Capricorn One” while playing in the NFL.
O.J. Simpson has died at the age of 76, according to a statement from his family that said he "succumbed to his battle with cancer."
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Despite his accomplishments on the football field and on the big screen, Simpson is best known for being accused, and finally acquitted, of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife and her male friend. He was later convicted accountable for their deaths in a civil court.
Simpson would later go to prison on other crimes, including armed robbery and kidnapping for stealing sports memorabilia from a dealer at gunpoint. Simpson stated that the memorabilia had previously been taken from him and that he was only now getting it back. After four years in jail, he was released on parole to complete the remainder of his 29-year sentence.
“Juice,” as he was popularly known, is still one of the best running backs to have ever played the game.
“O.J. Simpson became the first player to surpass 2,000 yards rushing in a 14-game season, a feat that many believed was impossible. In a statement, Hall of Fame president Jim Porter announced that his on-field accomplishments would be archived in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.
The team and league have yet to issue statements.
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