OJ Simpson has died.
The former NFL running back, whose career was overshadowed by a double-murder case in 1994-1995, passed away from cancer on April 10.
Simpson won the Heisman Trophy in 1968, starring at the University of Southern California. The first overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Simpson was a pro bowler as a rookie, rushing for 697 yards. In 1973, he became the first running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, running for 2,003 with 12 touchdowns in just a 14-game season. He is 21st on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,236 in 11 seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl each year from 1972-1976. He is one of 12 Bills in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Of course, Simpson became better known for a double-murder trial for the killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, of which Simpson was acquitted on October 3, 1995. Brown-Simpson was 35 at the time of her death, and Goldman was 25.
Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals, between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks on June 17, 1994 was interrupted as viewers watched Simpson’s Ford Bronco car chase. His former USC and Bills’ teammate Al Cowlings was driving.
It cannot be overstated how much Simpson threw away his remembrance as an NFL great, now more known for the trial - at least amongst the general public who do not follow or did not follow the NFL.
Instead of forever being remembered as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, which he was at one time, the memory of Simpson’s life will be marred by the double murder.
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