O.J. Simpson is one of the most controversial figures in American history. From football stardom to Hollywood fame, followed by a sensational murder trial and later legal troubles, his life has been filled with shocking twists. This list explores 30 key moments, revealing rare facts and offering deep insights into his extraordinary and tumultuous journey.
30. A Star is Born (1947)
Born Orenthal James Simpson on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, he grew up in the projects of Potrero Hill. His mother, Eunice, worked as a hospital administrator, while his father, Jimmy, was a chef and drag performer. O.J. suffered from rickets as a child, requiring leg braces to walk and overcome mobility challenges.
29. Troubled Youth and Street Gangs (1950s-1960s)
During his early years, Simpson joined a local gang called the Persian Warriors. His delinquent behavior resulted in multiple arrests as a teenager. A chance encounter with baseball legend Willie Mays, who encouraged him to focus on sports, became a turning point, inspiring him to pursue athletics more seriously.
28. USC and the Heisman Trophy (1968)
Simpson became a college football sensation at the University of Southern California (USC). In 1968, he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top player, after rushing for a then-record 1,709 yards. His explosive running style and charisma made him among college football’s most marketable stars.
27. NFL Stardom with the Buffalo Bills (1969-1977)
Drafted first overall in the 1969 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Simpson struggled early but flourished after the team built its offense around him. In 1973, he became the first running back to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, an achievement that cemented his status as an NFL legend.
26. Acting Career and Hollywood Fame (1970s-1990s)
While still playing football, Simpson pursued acting, appearing in films like The Towering Inferno (1974) and TV series such as Roots (1977). He later gained widespread recognition as Detective Nordberg in the Naked Gun comedy films, solidifying his status as a likable Hollywood personality off the field, beloved by fans.
25. Retirement and Broadcasting Career (1979-1994)
After retiring in 1979, Simpson transitioned into sports broadcasting as an NFL analyst for ABC and NBC. His charisma and deep knowledge of the game made him a fan favorite. He also appeared in commercials, famously promoting Hertz rental cars, where he was seen sprinting through airports, becoming an iconic figure in advertising.
24. Marriage to Nicole Brown (1985)
Simpson married Nicole Brown in 1985 after meeting her while she worked as a waitress. They had two children, Sydney and Justin. However, their marriage was plagued by domestic abuse allegations. Nicole called 911 multiple times, but Simpson’s celebrity status often shielded him from severe legal consequences.
23. Domestic Violence Arrest (1989)
In 1989, Simpson was arrested for assaulting Nicole. Police reports described her as battered and bruised, but Simpson received only probation and community service. Nicole later documented her fear in diaries, which surfaced years later. Many believe these incidents foreshadowed the tragedy that would unfold in 1994.
22. The Murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman (1994)
On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were brutally murdered outside her Brentwood home. The crime scene was gruesome, with multiple stab wounds and overwhelming forensic evidence. Suspicion quickly fell on O.J. Simpson, sparking what would become one of history’s most infamous murder trials.
21. The Infamous Bronco Chase (1994)
On June 17, 1994, Simpson fled in a white Ford Bronco driven by Al Cowlings instead of surrendering. The slow-speed chase, broadcast live, captivated 95 million viewers. With a gun to his head, Simpson eventually surrendered at his Brentwood home, where police discovered a disguise, a passport, and a large sum of cash.
20. The Trial of the Century Begins (1995)
The trial began in January 1995, with an all-star legal team defending Simpson, including Johnnie Cochran and Robert Kardashian. The prosecution, led by Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, relied on DNA evidence. The trial’s racial undertones, media frenzy, and celebrity involvement made it one of the most-watched in history.
19. The Gloves Don’t Fit (1995)
In a dramatic courtroom moment, Simpson tried on blood-stained gloves found at the crime scene. The gloves appeared too tight, leading to Cochran’s famous line, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” This pivotal moment severely weakened the prosecution’s case, becoming a turning point in the high-profile trial.
18. Acquittal and Shockwaves (1995)
On October 3, 1995, after less than four hours of jury deliberation, Simpson was found not guilty. The verdict divided America, sparking celebrations in some communities and outrage in others. Many believed his acquittal highlighted deep racial and socioeconomic divides within the U.S. justice system, fueling national debate.
17. The Civil Trial and Financial Ruin (1997)
Though acquitted criminally, Simpson faced a civil trial in 1997, where he was found liable for the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. He was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to their families. Unable to fully pay, his assets were seized, resulting in severe financial struggles.
16. Exile and Life in Florida (2000s)
Simpson moved to Florida, where state laws protected his NFL pension from seizure. He lived a relatively quiet life, playing golf and giving sporadic interviews. Despite his low profile, he remained controversial, frequently making headlines for minor legal troubles, bizarre behavior, and ongoing financial disputes with the Goldman and Brown families.
15. “If I Did It” Controversy (2007)
In 2007, O.J. Simpson attempted to release If I Did It, a hypothetical account of how he would have committed the murders. The book sparked widespread public outrage and was quickly pulled from shelves. Eventually, the rights were awarded to Ron Goldman’s family, who republished it as If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer.
14. Armed Robbery in Las Vegas (2007)
Simpson, accompanied by armed men, stormed a Las Vegas hotel room in 2007 to retrieve sports memorabilia he claimed was stolen from him. The confrontation led to his arrest for armed robbery, kidnapping, and other charges. Unlike his murder trial, there was little public sympathy, and the case moved swiftly through the courts.
13. Conviction and 33-Year Sentence (2008)
On October 3, 2008—exactly 13 years after his acquittal to the day—Simpson was convicted on all charges related to the robbery. He received a 33-year sentence, with eligibility for parole after nine years. Many saw it as long-overdue justice, while others believed it was excessive given the circumstances of the crime.
12. Life in Lovelock Prison (2008-2017)
Simpson served his sentence at Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada, where he was reportedly a model inmate, working in the prison gym and participating in rehabilitation programs. He avoided trouble, earning parole eligibility in 2017. Despite being behind bars, Simpson remained a public figure, often featured in true crime documentaries and media discussions.
11. Parole and Release (2017)
After serving nine years, O.J. Simpson was granted parole in July 2017 and released in October. He returned to public life cautiously, living in Las Vegas. Many debated whether he had truly changed, while others saw him as a relic of a bygone era, representing sensational courtroom drama and media obsession.
10. Life After Prison (2017)
Following his release, O.J. Simpson moved to Las Vegas, living a relatively low-profile life in a gated community near a golf course. He frequently played golf, occasionally interacted with fans, and even worked as a volunteer at a youth sports camp. Despite his quieter life, he remained a polarizing figure.
9. Social Media Comeback (2019)
In 2019, Simpson launched a Twitter account (@TheRealOJ32), marking his return to the public eye. His videos, often discussing football and current events, garnered millions of views. While some found his presence surreal, others saw it as an attempt at public rehabilitation. The internet, however, remained largely unforgiving.
8. Lawsuit Battles and Unpaid Civil Debt (2020s)
Despite his social media presence, O.J. Simpson still owed the Goldman and Brown families millions from the 1997 civil suit. Over the years, the Goldmans pursued legal efforts to collect, even targeting his Cameo earnings, while Simpson, who once lived in a gated Las Vegas community, insisted he had little money left.
7. Controversial Appearances and Interviews (2020s)
Occasionally appearing in interviews, Simpson remained tight-lipped about the murders but expressed frustration over his reputation. He once told The Athletic that people still constantly ask him about the case, though he preferred to focus on “golf and family.” His continued presence in the media sparked ongoing debate.
6. The Never-Ending Public Fascination (2020s)
Decades after the trial, O.J. Simpson remained a subject of fascination in pop culture. True crime documentaries, TV shows like The People v. O.J. Simpson, and numerous books kept his story in the public eye. To some, he symbolized legal injustice, while to others, he was a cautionary tale of celebrity and controversy.
5. O.J. Simpson’s Death at 76 (April 10, 2024)
On April 10, 2024, O.J. Simpson died at 76 in Las Vegas after battling metastatic prostate cancer. His family announced his passing via social media, requesting privacy. His death marked the end of a tumultuous life filled with sports triumphs, legal controversies, and an enduring, polarizing legacy that captivated the world.
4. Public Reaction: A Divided Legacy (2024)
Simpson’s death reignited debates about his legacy. Sports fans remembered his achievements in the NFL, while others focused on the infamous murder trial. Some mourned him as a fallen star, while others expressed relief, believing justice had never fully been served for Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman’s brutal murders.
3. Legal and Financial Aftermath (2024-2025)
Despite his death, Simpson’s legal and financial troubles persisted. The $36 million wrongful death civil judgment remained unpaid, prompting renewed efforts by the Goldman and Brown families to claim assets. Legal experts debated whether his estate could be forced to pay, given his reported reliance on protected pension funds in life.
2. The Auction of Simpson’s Personal Items (2025)
To settle debts, O.J. Simpson’s estate planned an auction of his personal belongings, including memorabilia and a Bible inscribed by his late attorney, Robert Kardashian. Kim Kardashian reportedly offered $15,000 for the Bible, but the estate declined, choosing a public auction instead to maximize profits and distribute funds to creditors.
1. The End of an Unfinished Story
Even after his death, O.J. Simpson’s life remains a subject of fascination. His football legacy, infamous murder trial, and numerous legal battles continue to be studied in media, pop culture, and law schools. Whether viewed as a hero, villain, or tragic figure, his complex story ensures he will remain an unforgettable part of American history.