Ex-NFL Icon O.J. Simpson Dies of Cancer at Age 76

Summary:

• Former NFL player O.J. Simpson died of cancer at the age of 76.
• The news was made public through a statement issued by his family. .
• His murder trial and acquisition for the murders offered the century’s most-watched popular culture event.

Former NFL player whose double-murder acquittal trial spread over 11 months generated the most-watched pop culture events of the last century almost three decades ago, O.J. Simpson, has died of prostate cancer.

Probably the most controversial figure in the sports world, Orenthal James Simpson was also one of the most successful and iconic sports stars of his generation.

The controversial sportsman and actor passed away at age 76. The announcement was made by his family via X.

O.J. Died “Surrounded by His Children and Grandchildren”

The X statement read:

According to a statement issued by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, O.J. died in Las Vegas and he had been receiving chemotherapy for his prostate cancer, a health issue that he made public two months ago.

One of the Goldman family’s attorneys, David Cook, gave a brief statement on Thursday in which he stated that O.J. “died without penance”.

Sports and Movie Career Paths Overshadowed by Murder Trial

O.J. started his NFL career playing for the Buffalo Bills where he was first drafted in 1969.

Next, he joined the Buffalo Bills from 1969 to 1977 and he was later registered for two years with the San Francisco 49ers.

He received numerous individual awards, including the title of the best football player of the season in 1973, even though he was never an NFL champion.

Post-retirement, he tried a career in acting, starring in a few roles in TV series and movies over the years.

However, his athletic accomplishments and Hollywood career were eventually overshadowed by the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman on June 12, 12 1994, and the long trial that ended with his controversial acquittal.

The low-speed car chase across Los Angeles was broadcast live, showing the NHL player’s in an attempt to flee the police in a Ford Bronco.

The televised trial caught the eyes of millions of viewers both in the US as well as worldwide daily for 11 months.

He eventually received the not-guilty verdict. Three years after the trial, he was found liable in a civil suit that was brought by the families of the two victims and asked to pay $33.5 million.

In 2008, the former athlete received a 15-year prison sentence for a botched robbery in Las Vegas in which he attempted to forcibly recover sports memorabilia he claimed had been stolen from him.

Sent to prison at age 61, O.J. served nine years in a Nevada prison. He was released on parole in October 2017.

In later life, he pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to the pursuit of those he insisted were the real killers of Nicole and Ron.

He eventually declared bankruptcy and retired to Florida, where he became a regular golf player.