The Evolution of O.J. Simpson: A Journey Through Triumphs and Turmoil
Explore the rise of O.J. Simpson from a football star to a controversial figure linked to the high-profile 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Delve into the complexities of his life and the controversies that have defined his legacy.
O.J. Simpson became famous initially for his success in football. He achieved this by winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968 while playing for the University of Southern California. Following this accomplishment, he was chosen as the first overall pick in the 1969 draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Simpson decided to leave the NFL in 1979 after being active for 11 seasons. He transitioned into the entertainment industry, making appearances in various movies and TV shows, such as The Naked Gun film series.
Even though he had a successful football career, Simpson's reputation took a dark turn when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were tragically discovered murdered outside her Los Angeles residence in 1994.
O.J. Simpson, whose full name is Orenthal James Simpson, was arrested and charged with murder, but later acquitted. However, he was found responsible for the wrongful death and battery of Goldman in a civil lawsuit filed by Goldman's family. As a result, he was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the families of the victims.
Before his family gained fame through reality TV, the late Robert Kardashian Sr. was one of the attorneys who represented O.J. during the trial. This trial was the basis for the 2016 limited series called The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
O.J. faced more legal troubles in 2007 when he was convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery in Las Vegas. He spent nine years in a Nevada prison before being released early in July 2017.
Sadly, in April 2024, O.J.'s family announced that he passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
Scroll down through the gallery below to relive O.J.’s life in photos:
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life and Controversies
O.J. Simpson first gained recognition as a talented football player. Following his 1968 Heisman Trophy win at the University of Southern California, Simpson was chosen as the top overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1969 draft.
Simpson retired from the NFL in 1979 after playing 11 seasons. He then transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in various films and TV series, such as The Naked Gun trilogy.
However, despite his football success, Simpson's name became infamous due to the tragic deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. They were found stabbed to death outside of her Los Angeles home in 1994.
O.J. (Orenthal James) was arrested and charged with murders he was later acquitted of. However, he was found responsible for the wrongful death and battery of Goldman in a civil lawsuit brought by Goldman’s family. As a result, he was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the victims’ families.
Years before his family gained fame through reality TV, the late Robert Kardashian Sr. was one of the attorneys who represented O.J. during the trial. This trial later inspired the 2016 limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
O.J. faced more legal troubles in 2007 when he was convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery in Las Vegas. He spent nine years in a Nevada prison before being released early in July 2017.
Sadly, O.J. passed away at the age of 76 in April 2024 after fighting cancer. His family confirmed the news.
Scroll down through the gallery below to relive O.J.’s life in photos:
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images
Football Early Days
After O.J. Simpson won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 at the University of Southern California, he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills the next year. Throughout his NFL career, he achieved many accomplishments, including being named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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1985
O.J. married Nicole, his second wife, in 1985. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 1992 due to reports of domestic violence, including a police report in 1989 documenting abuse. (O.J. had been married to Marguerite Whitley before.)
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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1991
O.J. starred alongside Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley in the popular The Naked Gun comedy trilogy, which premiered in 1988 and had a sequel in 1991.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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1994
In 1994, O.J.'s ex-wife and her friend Goldman were tragically stabbed to death outside her Brentwood condo. This led to O.J. being charged with two counts of murder after a low-speed Bronco chase through Los Angeles. The trial, known as The Trial of the Century, took place from November 1994 to October 1995 and ended with O.J. being acquitted.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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1997
Goldman’s family successfully brought a civil suit against O.J., who was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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2007
In September 2007, O.J. was arrested for leading a group of men into a room at a Las Vegas hotel and casino to steal sports memorabilia. He faced charges for several serious crimes, such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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2008
O.J. was found guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery from the 2007 incident and sentenced to up to 33 years in prison.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
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2017
O.J. was granted early release from Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada after he was found guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery in Las Vegas in 2007.
O.J. Simpson Through The Years: His Life in Photos
Credit: MEGA
2024
In February 2024, it was revealed that O.J. received treatment for cancer. Two months later, his family announced his passing.
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, lost his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren," the Simpson family stated through X in April 2024. "As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly request privacy and understanding from everyone."
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