OJ Simpson official cause of death revealed
Now 16 days removed from his death, an official cause of death has been revealed for former NFL running back OJ Simpson.
Simpson, the 1973 NFL MVP, died from prostate cancer, per TMZ Sports. He first revealed he was battling cancer in May 2023. Simpson passed away on April 10 after spending several months in hospice. He was 76.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his X account 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.”
As a player, Simpson spent the bulk of his career with the Buffalo Bills from 1969-77 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1978-79. Simpson finished his career with 11,236 yards and 61 touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry. He added 203 receptions for 2,142 yards and 14 touchdown scores through the air. Simpson became the first running back to eclipse 2,000 yards in a single season when he rushed for 2,003 yards in 1973. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
Prior to his NFL career, Simpson had a stellar career at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968. He wrapped up his collegiate career with 3,423 yards and 36 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry.
OJ Simpson’s personal life the subject of public debate
Simpson was accused and charged for the murders of his wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, back in June of 1994. He was acquitted but the families of Goldman and Brown-Simpson later filed a civil lawsuit against him. Simpson was found liable for the wrongful death and battery against both individuals and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
Simpson eventually went to prison for a robbery in Las Vegas after he led a group of men into a room at the Palace Station Hotel Casino and took sports memorabilia at gunpoint. On Dec. 5, 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison with possibility of parole after nine. He was granted parole in 2013 but continued imprisonment and was eventually released on Oct. 1, 2017.