June 17th, 1994. For Buffalo Bills fans and most Americans alive at that time, it is a date that will likely never be forgotten.
That is because legendary RB O.J. Simpson was the center of a stunning freeway chase. It was a day where views of him and live news were flipped upside down. Yet, there was a lot more going on in the sports world on that day as well. This article looks back on all of that and more, 30 years later.
O.J. Simpson Made America Stop With White Bronco Chase
![REPORT: Former Buffalo Bills RB O.J. Simpson's Infamous White Bronco Chase- 30 Years Later 1 O.J. Simpson](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/oj-simpson.webp)
On this date 30 years ago, it was revealed that O.J. Simpson was accused of a double murder. The two victims were his former wife (Nicole Brown Simpson) and her friend (Ronald Goldman). That caused Simpson to go on the run in a white Ford Bronco.
Simpson ended up remaining in that white Ford Bronco for just over two hours in Southern California. During those two hours, Simpson allegedly held a gun to his own head. However, it was America’s reaction to this that made it particularly memorable.
This freeway chase was covered live by every major news station in the country. As a result, about 95 million people across the country were watching this chase unfold. The coverage was so massive that the broadcast of Game 5 of the NBA Finals that season was interrupted in favor of that chase.
Fifth Fall for Buffalo Bills
![REPORT: Former Buffalo Bills RB O.J. Simpson's Infamous White Bronco Chase- 30 Years Later 2 Kelly](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kelly.webp)
In 1994, Buffalo Bills fans were going through a rough time. The Bills were coming off of their fourth consecutive Super Bowl loss. Months after that, Bills fans had to face the reality of one of their most iconic players being a potential murderer.
Simpson made his name with the Buffalo Bills from 1969-1978. In 11 total seasons in the NFL, Simpson had 61 rushing touchdowns and 11,236 rushing yards. He was such a big name in the NFL that it led to Simpson having several notable commercial and movie appearances.
June 17th, 1994 in Sports
![REPORT: Former Buffalo Bills RB O.J. Simpson's Infamous White Bronco Chase- 30 Years Later 3 soldier field pre week1](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/soldier-field-pre-week1.jpg)
Believe it or not, June 17th, 1994 was a notable sports day for more than just O.J. Simpson. As mentioned above, Game 5 of the NBA Finals took place that night. However, that is not all.
The New York Rangers held their Stanley Cup victory parade in New York City after a 54-year drought. Along with this, the FIFA World Cup had its commencement ceremony at Soldier Field, with the event being hosted by the United States in 1994. Arnold Palmer also played his final round at the U.S. Open and Ken Griffey Jr. tied Babe Ruth’s record for most home runs (30) before June 30th.
Fallout for O.J. Simpson
![REPORT: Former Buffalo Bills RB O.J. Simpson's Infamous White Bronco Chase- 30 Years Later 4 OJ Simpson trying on glove](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/OJ-Simpson-trying-on-glove.jpg)
Of course, O.J. Simpson ended up being found not guilty in one of the most infamous murder trials in American history. However, the cloud over the White Bronco chase remained over Simpson’s head in the court of public opinion for the rest of his days. Simpson died at the age of 76 earlier this year on April 10th.
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