Former NFL Star O.J Simpson Dies Aged 76

O.J. Simpson, the NFL Hall of Famer whose 1995 acquittal in the so-called “trial of the century” for the brutal murders of his ex-wife and a male friend gripped the world, has died, his family announced Thursday. He was 76.

“Our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer”, a message signed by the family stated on social media site X.

“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” the message added.

Simpson had reportedly been battling prostate cancer.

Simpson grew up in severe poverty and ill health but developed into an elite athlete, rising rapidly to stardom first as a college football player and then in the National Football League, where he won the 1973 Most Valuable Player award.

His popularity only grew with a post-NFL career as an actor and an ad pitchman, where his appearances promoting everything from orange juice to car rentals made him one of the most recognizable Black faces in the country.