O.J. Simpson, whose full name is Orenthal James Simpson, is a former American football running back, broadcaster, actor, advertising spokesman, and convicted felon. Born on July 9, 1947, Simpson became a cultural icon in the United States during the late 20th century.
In his professional sports career, Simpson played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 as the best player in college football while playing for the University of Southern California (USC). In the NFL, Simpson was celebrated for his exceptional running ability, breaking numerous records, including becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season (1973). His football career led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
Following his sports career, Simpson transitioned into acting and broadcasting, appearing in films, television shows, and commercials. He became a familiar face on screen and was known for his charismatic personality and likable image.
However, Simpson’s public image drastically changed in 1994 when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. His trial, which took place in 1995, was one of the most publicized and controversial criminal trials in American history. Simpson was acquitted of the murder charges, but the case remained a significant part of his legacy, dividing public opinion.
In 2008, Simpson was convicted on armed robbery and kidnapping charges stemming from a 2007 incident in Las Vegas where he attempted to retrieve memorabilia he claimed was stolen from him. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison with the possibility of parole. Simpson was granted parole and released in 2017.
O.J. Simpson’s life and trials have been the subject of numerous books, films, and television series, reflecting his complex legacy as both a celebrated athlete and a controversial public figure.
According to statements from his relatives, O.J. Simpson has passed away at the age of 76 due to cancer.
The ex-NFL star, who gained notoriety for being acquitted in the murder case of his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson, died on April 10, 2024.
The family released a statement on X (previously Twitter) on Thursday saying, “Our father, Orenthal James Simpson, lost his battle with cancer on April 10th. He was in the company of his children and grandchildren at the time. The family requests that their privacy and wishes for peace be respected during this period of transition.”
Simpson’s demise follows reports from February that he was in hospice care after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. NBC Sports reported then that he was receiving chemotherapy treatment.
On February 9, Simpson posted a video on X denying the hospice rumors, stating, “I am not in hospice, and I’m unsure who spread that rumor.” He also mentioned hosting friends for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas and affirmed, “All is well.”
Simpson was a celebrated NFL running back, actor, and broadcaster, most famously known for his acquittal in the 1995 trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. This trial was later depicted in the award-winning series “The People v. O.J. Simpson.”
The specific type of cancer leading to Simpson’s death was not disclosed by his family in their announcement. Nevertheless, it had been reported that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, as per NBC News.
In May 2023, Simpson revealed in a video on X that he was being treated for cancer without specifying the type, stating, “In the last few years, I unfortunately was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy.”
He also shared his experience of battling COVID and cancer simultaneously, adding, “I have finished chemotherapy.” At that time, he expressed optimism about his health, saying, “It seems I have beaten it. I’m glad about that.”
Prostate cancer, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a common cancer type found in the prostate gland in men, responsible for producing seminal fluid. Symptoms can include difficulties in urinating, reduced urine flow, blood in urine or semen, bone pain, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection significantly increases the treatability of prostate cancer, which often grows slowly and remains within the gland. However, some forms are more aggressive and can spread quickly.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation advises Black men or those with a family history of cancer to start screenings at age 40, while other men should start at 45. Black men face a higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer than men of other races, possibly due to lower rates of screening and treatment. Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include race, being over 50, a family history of breast or prostate cancer, and obesity.
Simpson’s cause of death was cancer at 76 on April 10, 2024, as confirmed by his family. Although they did not specify the cancer type, it was reported earlier that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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