OJ Simpson, known to be one of the most infamous American celebrities of all time, died this Wednesday at the age of 76. Simpson was a former football running back-turned-actor.

Simpson lived a life of both tragedy and triumph. Apart from being an NFL great, Simpson peeked in the headlines for facing trial for the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her boyfriend, Ron Goldman in the ’90s. Although he was acquitted, the infamous tag remained with him till he died.

The former NFL champion’s family announced the tragic news on their official X handle, stating that Simpson passed away from cancer and was surrounded by his loved ones.

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. -The Simpson Family.

The statement on X from OJ Simpson’s family.

Simpson’s attorney, as well, confirmed the news to TMZ Sports, saying he died surrounded by his children and grandchildren in Las Vegas.

The six-time Pro Bowler was reportedly battling with prostate cancer for the last few years. As his condition worsened, he was taken into hospice care in the final few months of his life.

The news of Simpson’s cancer diagnosis didn’t see the daylight until this February when a local news outlet did a report on it.

 
NFL great O.J. Simpson (Via BBC)

However, the actor’s response to the news was ambiguous as he denied being in hospice care but didn’t make any comment on his cancer. Interestingly, back in 2023, Simpson revealed to his fans that he had been diagnosed with cancer but claimed he had recovered from it. But little did anyone know, his cancer would return and claim his life.

Remembering the legacy of O.J. Simpson

Simpson is originally known as Orenthal James Simpson and he was born in San Francisco. With a passion for football, he joined the football team at USC and also won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 as a result of which he was drafted No.1 overall in the 1969 NFL Draft. In the NFL, he set many records playing primarily for the Buffalo Bills and ended his football career with the San Francisco 49ers.

 
O.J. Simpson (Image via The Athletic)
Simpson became an actor before he went out to be a pro football player. He began acting while still at USC, getting his first acting job at “Medical Center.”

His acting career and NFL career ran parallel to each other. He starred in many prominent films in Hollywood: “Roots”, “The Cassandra Crossing” and more while establishing his prominence in the NFL. He had five first-team All-Pro selections during his time in the league and in 1973, won the MVP award. He retired after the 1979 season and went on to become one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.