Everything To Know About The Late O.J. Simpson
NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson died on April 10, according to a family statement.
He was 76.
The Simpson family took to Twitter, now known as X, to inform fans and followers of his death on Thursday morning. The statement says Simpson was surrounded by family as he succumbed to prostate cancer.
"On April 10, 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," the Simpson Family wrote.
On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
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.
-The Simpson Family
O.J., born Orenthal James Simpson, was a talented American Collegiate and successful football player. He got his start at Galileo High School in San Francisco. His hard work at San Francisco City College and scholastic achievements allowed him to play at the University of Southern California, popularly known as USC.
During his college years, Simpson set records, rushing over 1,700 yards. He was named an All-American, played in two Rose Bowl Games, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. His energetic runs and smooth plays earned him the nickname "The Juice" — which refers to both his talent and the fact that his initials are the same as orange juice.
"The Juice" appeared in six Pro Bowls, was a 5x All-Pro, and was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player in 1973. He was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1970s, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL 100 All-Time Team, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He also holds the record for single-season yards per game with an average of 143.1.
After retiring from the league in 1979 with his hometown team the San Francisco 49ers, Simpson became a sports commentator, as well as a film and television actor.
His most prominent roles to date are include in 'Roots' (1977) and the 1980s 'Naked Gun' film series. According to IMDb, Simpson's acting career launched in 1967. His last project included one episode of 'ADHDtv: With Lew Marklin.'
RELATED: O.J. Simpson Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Undergoes Chemotherapy
ENSTARZ reported that the Hall of Famer was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Nevada back in February, following rumors the father of five was spotted looking unwell.
Simpson denied those claims, clarifying that he in fact was not in "hospice" and that "all is well." He took time to wish football fans a happy Super Bowl LVIII Sunday.
"No, I'm not in any hospice, I don't know who put that out there but whoever put that out there I guess it's like the Donald say, 'Can't trust the media!' " Simpson said during that time.
In what became the "Trial of the Century," Simpson became notoriously known for the murder trial involving the death of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
Although he was acquitted in 1995 of the double murder, he was found liable for their deaths, and was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the victim's families in a California civil case.
Simpson welcomed two children with his second wife, Nicole, before her death in June 1994; Sydney Brooke, who was born in 1985 and was 8-years-old at the time of her mother's death. Their son, Justin, was born in 1988.
Before he wed Nicole in 1985, the former running back fathered three children with Marguerite Whitley, his first wife. The pair, who wed in 1967, welcomed their first child, Arnelle, in 1968. Jason was born in 1970, and their youngest daughter, Aaren, who died after drowning in their family pool just before her second birthday.
