O.J. Simpson Dead At 76

Orenthal James "O.J." Simpson has died at 76 years old. "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren," the Simpson family confirmed in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."

In February, Local 10 News reported that Simpson had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was receiving chemotherapy treatments. 

Simpson was once best known for his record-breaking professional football career until his professional success was overshadowed after standing trial for the double murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. He was eventually acquitted of all criminal charges related to the murders..

In his heyday, O.J. Simpson was hailed as a charismatic running back with a megawatt smile to boot. The professional football Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner, lovingly referred to as "The Juice," broke many records during his career and garnered the adoration of many fans. Following his 1979 retirement from the San Francisco 49ers, he seamlessly transitioned into the sports broadcasting and entertainment industry. However, that all came crashing down after he was charged and tried for the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. In the end, the infamous highway police chase and subsequent criminal murder trial proved to be a career ruiner for the athlete and actor. Even after being criminally acquitted, his career never recovered. He did, however, try his hand as an author in 2006, with the release of his very own book, "If I Did It: Confessions of a Killer." 

Alas, Simpson's infamous criminal murder trial would not be his last encounter with the legal justice system. In 2007, the former NFL player was arrested for committing armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel room. In 2008, he was found guilty and served nine years in prison. Following his release, he took up residence in Las Vegas with his family and spent the remaining years of his life there. "Life is fine," he declared during a 2019 phone interview with The Associated Press.