O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star and broadcaster, has died at age 76 due to cancer, according to his family.
A post from the “Simpson Family” on Simpson’s verified X account Thursday morning stated: “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.”
Simpson’s athletic contributions will be preserved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s archives in Canton, Ohio. Simpson, who scored 76 total touchdowns during his professional football career, was the first to rush for more than 2,000 yards during an NFL season and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Simpson, known for his athletic achievements and fame, faced a trial in 1995 for the brutal killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.
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On June 17, 1994, O.J. Simpson led police on a widely televised low-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco. He was charged with two counts of murder in the brutal killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.But Simpson failed to turn himself in, sparking the chase that captivated millions.
In 1995, he was acquitted on all charges.
During the trial, Simpson pleaded “100% not guilty” and assembled a “dream team” of famous lawyers. Although Simpson never testified, among the most riveting moments was when prosecutor Darden asked Simpson to put on the infamous gloves – one of which police said was found at the murder scene, the other at Simpson’s property. Simpson struggled to do so in front of the jurors, making a show of how the gloves didn’t fit. In his summation, Cochran uttered the now famous line, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”
Lead prosecutors focused on the timeline, domestic abuse, and DNA evidence. The trial became a nationwide obsession and lasted over eight months, ending with a “not guilty” verdict.
On October 3, 1995, as the “not guilty to all counts” verdict was read, Cochran turned and yelled, “Yes!”
In 2007, Simpson was convicted for his involvement in a robbery to steal sports memorabilia. He was granted parole discharge in 2021.
