O.J. Simpson Dead At Age Of 76 After Bout With Cancer

Cancer has done what many tacklers and parts of the United States court system could not in tackling O.J. Simpson after he succumbed to the disease age of 76, his family announced Thursday.

Simpson died while surrounded by family, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

And, undoubtedly, there will be mixed feelings about this moment because of the greatness Simpson achieved as an NFL running back. And the infamy he claimed after his career was over.

His full name was Orenthal James Simpson and he was born on July 9, 1947. He played in the NFL for 11 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the 49ers late in his career.

He is a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and deservedly so. Simpson, you should know, was the first running back ever to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark in a season. He rushed for 2,003 yards in 1973 and accomplished the feat in a 14-game season.

The fact he'd already collected a Heisman Trophy at USC and was already considered one of the most dangerous running backs in the league sealed Simpson's reputation as a great player.

Simpson's professional success was overshadowed by his trial and ensuing acquittal for the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994.

Despite his much heralded acquittal in criminal court, Simpson was later judged responsible for the wrongful death of Brown and Goldman in a civil court and was ordered to pay damages.

Simpon had other legal troubles the remainder of his life. He served nine years in prison after being convicted for various offenses.

He was paroled in 2017 and had been living in Florida and other states since. 

So, yes, the Simpson legacy and memories will forever be tainted.