Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame RB O.J. Simpson Dies at 76

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson has died.

May 26, 1995; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; O.J. Simpson / VJ Lovero-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back OJ Simpson has passed away at the age of 76, his family said in a statement on Thursday.

The Simpson family released the statement on O.J.’s X account (formerly Twitter) to announce the news:

Jan 12, 1992, Orchard Park, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Retired football stars O.J. Simpson (32). / RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the statement read. “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.“

Simpson had reportedly been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was revealed by TMZ in February. He responded with a video denying rumors of being in hospice, but didn’t confirm or deny his illness. 

A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Heisman Trophy winner, 1973 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, he is still best known for his infamous double-murder trial in 1995 but maintains his innocence. 

Simpson later faced more problems with the law and eventually spent nine years in a Nevada state prison for armed robbery.

Simpson finished his Bills career with 2,123 rushes for 10,183 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns in 112 games. He added 175 catches for 1,924 receiving yards and 12 more scores. He spent two years with the San Francisco 49ers before his final NFL season in 1979.