Former NFL Star O.J. Simpson Dies of Cancer at Age 76

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star who was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in a televised trial that gripped the nation, has died of cancer, according to his family. He was 76.

Early Life and Football Career

Simpson was born in San Francisco and raised in public housing, going to a local community college before transferring to the University of Southern California. He was part of the school’s national championship in 1967 and earned the Heisman Trophy the next year.

He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1969 as a No. 1 overall pick. According to NBC Sports, Simpson was the first player in the league to rush for 2,000 or more yards in a season and is considered the best running back of his era.

Personal Life

Simpson had three children from his first marriage to Marguerite Whitley, one of whom died in a drowning accident as a toddler. His highly publicized trial and acquittal for the murders of his ex-wife and her friend cast a long shadow over his life and legacy.