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Sports • American Football

O. J. Simpson

O.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

O. J. Simpson, born Orenthal James Simpson, was an American football player, actor, and media personality. He became a major sports figure as a running back in the National Football League, then later became widely known for his 1994 murder trial and other legal troubles. He died in 2024 at the age of 76.

Early life and football career

Born in San Francisco, California, Simpson rose to prominence as a college and professional football player. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and was the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season. He played 11 NFL seasons, including nine with the Buffalo Bills.

Acting and public image

After football, Simpson appeared in films and television and worked as a spokesperson. His celebrity profile remained high in the 1970s and 1980s.

Criminal trials and later life

Simpson was the subject of a highly publicized 1994 murder trial and was acquitted in the 1995 criminal trial over the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. He was later convicted in Nevada of armed robbery and kidnapping and served prison time. He was released from prison on parole in 2017.

Death and legacy

Simpson died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from cancer, reported as prostate cancer. His legacy combines major athletic achievements with enduring notoriety from his legal cases.

Key facts

  • He played 11 NFL seasons, including nine with the Buffalo Bills.
  • He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and was the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season.
  • He was acquitted in the 1995 criminal trial over the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
  • He was later convicted in Nevada of armed robbery and kidnapping and served prison time.
  • He died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from cancer, reported as prostate cancer.
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Canadian context

His 1994–95 trial was a major international media event, including in Canada, and remains a frequent reference point in discussions of celebrity, criminal justice, and media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is OJ Simpson?
O. J. Simpson was an American football player, actor, and media personality best known for his NFL career and his highly publicized murder trial.
How old is OJ Simpson?
O. J. Simpson was 76 when he died on April 10, 2024.
What happened to OJ Simpson?
He was acquitted in the 1995 criminal trial over the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, later convicted in Nevada of armed robbery and kidnapping, and died of cancer in 2024.
What is OJ Simpson known for?
He is known for being a star NFL running back, the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, and for the 1994 murder trial that made him a global figure.
Is OJ Simpson still alive?
No. He died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What was OJ Simpson's net worth?
Reliable sources in the provided results do not give a single verified net worth figure, and public estimates varied over time.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson
    Supports: Birth name, football career, legal history, and death date.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/O-J-Simpson
    Supports: Birth/death details, age at death, football background, and cause of death.
  3. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson
    Supports: 1997 civil verdict and 2008–2017 incarceration for armed robbery and kidnapping.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/o-j-simpson
    Supports: Heisman Trophy, 2,000-yard season, acting career, and later legal troubles.
  5. A&E — https://www.aetv.com/articles/oj-simpson
    Supports: 2007 armed robbery and kidnapping case involving sports memorabilia dealers.
  6. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40673821
    Supports: Overview of murder trial aftermath, robbery conviction, and prison time.
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_trial_of_O._J._Simpson
    Supports: 1994 murders, 1995 acquittal, and trial context.