San Francisco native O.J. Simpson passes away at age 76

Apr 11, 2024, 10:22 AM | Updated: 12:22 pm

Closeups and interview pictures of O.J. Simpson of Southern California, the most celebrated collegiate football player of 1968, with his Heisman Memorial Trophy after getting the award December 5th. During the day, Simpson was also selected United Press International Player of the Year.

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

O.J. Simpson, the former football star who was later accused and acquitted of killing his wife and her friend, has passed away at the age of 76.

Per a statement from his family, Simpson passed away peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by his family and loved ones. After a lengthy battle with prostate cancer, the Bay Area native succumbed to his illness. Simpson’s attorney confirmed the news to TMZ. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and his wife.

“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,” a statement from his family said on Simpson’s X account.

O.J. Simpson has died at age 76, his family announced pic.twitter.com/I8xtHU5Lh5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 11, 2024

Simpson, 76, rose to fame in the late 1960s and 70s through football, becoming a household name after winning the 1968 Hesiman Trophy at the University of Southern California. However, his legacy was forever changed following the 1994 slayings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Simpson was acquitted of the criminal charges in the case but was later found liable in a separate civil trial.

The former football standout became infamous after the Ford Bronco chase during his trial, leading police on a low-speed chase throughout Los Angeles as a passenger in a white Ford Bronco driven by former NFL player Al Cowlings. Per ESPN, an estimated audience of 95 million saw the drama unfold on television, interrupting regular-scheduled programming.

His time on the football field is regarded more positively however, winning the 1973 Associated Press MVP award as a member of the Buffalo Bills. O.J. Simpson played 11 years in the NFL, making the All-Pro team five times, and the Pro Bowl six times. He amassed over 11,000 rushing yards and 75 total touchdowns in the NFL. Simpson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

The San Francisco native finished his career with the 49ers, playing two seasons before calling it quits after the 1979 season.