According PEOPLE O.J. Simpson, arguably one of the most controversial figures in modern American history, has died at the age of 76.
According to a statement from his family on X (formerly Twitter,) the Hall of Fame football player, died at 76 years old on April 10.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. 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 post on Simpson’s account reads.
Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, Simpson played football in high school and for City College of San Francisco before transferring to the University of Southern California. Simpson was a running back for the Trojans in 1967 and 1968, leading the nation in rushing both years. As a senior, he was awarded the Heisman Trophy.
Simpson was the first selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 1969 AFL-NFL Common Draft, and played with the team through 1978. From 1979 to his retirement in 1982, Simpson played for his hometown San Francisco 49ers.
Simpson, who was nicknamed “Juice,” became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973, and to this day holds the record for the single season yards-per-game average — at 143.1. He was the only player to ever rush for over 2,000 yards in the 14-game regular season NFL format.
May he rest in peace.
