O.J. Simpson and one of his defense lawyers, Johnnie Cochran, celebrate in 1995 as a not-guilty verdict is read during his trial.Credit...Pool photo by Myung J. Chun
O.J. Simpson, the former football star and actor, passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with prostate cancer, as confirmed in a post on social media believed to be from the Simpson family. The post mentioned that Simpson was surrounded by his children and grandchildren as he peacefully transitioned. The family requested privacy and grace during this difficult time.
Simpson's trial for the double murder of his ex-wife and her friend caused a national sensation, with the public and media closely following every development. Despite being acquitted of the criminal charges, he was found responsible in a civil trial and later served time for a separate crime. This marked a dramatic downfall for a man who had once been a revered football player, winning the Heisman Trophy and achieving success in the NFL. Despite his athletic achievements, his legal troubles and subsequent imprisonment tarnished his once glowing reputation.
O.J. Simpson's life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with murder, and the subsequent trial became a national fascination. The infamous low-speed car chase involving Simpson in his white Ford Bronco, and the subsequent events, captivated the attention of people across America.
The "Trial of the Century" in 1995 featured high-profile figures like Johnnie Cochran, who turned a bloody glove found at the crime scene into a memorable moment in the trial. When O.J. Simpson struggled to put his hand inside the glove in the courtroom, Cochran famously told the jury, "If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit."
Simpson's acquittal sparked celebrations among those who saw it as a victory for Black people who had historically faced unfair treatment in the U.S. justice system. However, there was also dismay from those who argued that the system favored the wealthy who could afford high-powered lawyers, regardless of race.
O.J. Simpson, born in 1947 in San Francisco, was a renowned football player from a young age. Despite struggling with academics, he excelled on the football field at Galileo High School. He continued his success at City College of San Francisco, where he gained recognition as a top player and attracted the attention of Division I colleges.
After transferring to the University of Southern California, O.J. Simpson became a standout player, leading the nation in rushing during the 1967 and 1968 seasons under the coaching of John McKay. His exceptional performance on the field earned him the runner-up position for the Heisman Trophy as a junior, followed by winning the prestigious award as a senior.
O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach over 2,000 rushing yards in a 14-game season, a feat that many thought was impossible. His incredible on-field accomplishments will be honored and preserved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Outside of football, Simpson married his first wife Marguerite in 1967 and had three children with her. Tragically, one of their children passed away in a drowning accident in 1979, the same year the couple divorced.
After O.J. Simpson's football career ended, he became a well-known personality through his work as a commentator on "Monday Night Football" and the NFL on NBC. He also pursued acting, taking on various roles in television and film. However, his personal life continued to be plagued by troubles, including incidents of spousal abuse with his wife, Nicole Brown.
O.J. Simpson is most recognized for his performances in the "Naked Gun" movies, but he also appeared in numerous other films and television shows throughout his career. However, his reputation was tarnished when he was accused of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. This led to him being largely rejected by the entertainment industry. Despite this, he continued to make occasional appearances in TV and film until 2018.