On Thursday, news broke of former superstar running back OJ Simpson passing away at the age of 76 due to cancer. Simpson’s family took to Twitter (also known as X), saying that his family surrounded the longtime Buffalo Bills rusher during his final hours. Simpson, an all-time football player turned actor and American icon, took the world by storm in the summer of 1994 for his trial and controversial acquittal for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.
Simpson’s death quickly became a trending topic on social media, with a wide range of reactions flooding timelines. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, which Simpson belongs to after rushing for 11,236 yards and 61 touchdowns across 11 seasons, released a statement on Simpson’s death.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Honors OJ Simpson Post-Mortem
There was no shortage of people taking aim at OJ Simpson on Twitter after he died on Thursday. Although acquitted of a double homicide involving his ex-wife and her close friend, many believe Simpson was behind the murders. However, the Pro Football Hall of Fame took a different approach with Simpson, releasing a statement focusing on his playing career.
Pro Football Hall of Fame @ProFootballHOF president Jim Porter statement;
“OJ Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards.His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives…— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 11, 2024
“OJ Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards. His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter.
Despite his highly checkered past, including a wrongful death civil suit that resulted in the all-time rusher being ordered to pay millions in damages, Simpson remains a Pro Football Hall of Fame member. Porter points at Simpson’s on-field contributions, highlighted by a 2,000-yard rushing season. Simpson is the only member of the 2,000-yard rushing club to achieve the feat in 14 or fewer games.
OJ Simpson: All-Time NFL Running Back
On the field, OJ Simpson remains one of the greatest football players ever. Simpson shined at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy Award in 1968 before becoming the first overall pick in the NFL draft, landing with the Buffalo Bills for the 1969 season. After three straight seasons of average production to start his career, Simpson broke out in 1972, rushing for a league-best 1,251 yards. He won the MVP the following year, rushing for 2,003 yards and 12 scores, both NFL highs. The USC product continued his dominance, rushing for 4,445 yards and 27 touchdowns from 1974 to 1976.
Simpson finished his playing career with 11,236 rushing yards and 61 touchdowns. He won the 1973 MVP, earned five All-Pro nods, and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Simpson remains just inside the top 25 regarding career rushing yards.
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