End of an Era: OJ Simpson Passes Away at 76

End of an Era: OJ Simpson Passes Away at 76. OJ Simpson, the former American football star famously acquitted of double murder charges, has passed away at the age of 76, according to his family.

Orenthal James Simpson gained prominence first as a college football standout before making his mark in the NFL. In 1995, he was acquitted of the highly publicized murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend, a trial that captivated the nation’s attention.

Following the acquittal, Simpson’s life took another dramatic turn in 2008 when he was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 33 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2017.

Simpson’s family announced his passing from cancer on Wednesday, stating that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time.

The trial surrounding Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman’s murders remains one of the most infamous in American history.

Prosecutors argued vehemently that Simpson was responsible, presenting evidence such as blood, hair, and fiber tests linking him to the crime scene. However, Simpson’s defense team countered with claims of police framing driven by racial bias.

The trial’s most iconic moment came when Simpson struggled to put on a pair of blood-stained gloves found at the crime scene. This led to his defense attorney, Johnnie Cochrane, famously stating in his closing arguments, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” The jury ultimately sided with Simpson, leading to a controversial acquittal.

Before his legal troubles, Simpson was a beloved figure in the public eye, known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his acting career and lucrative endorsements. His achievements on the football field, including being the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, solidified his status as one of the sport’s greatest players. He retired from football in 1979.