Many people who follow celebrity news have heard the rumors that O.J. Simpson’s health was declining. It was known that he had cancer, but he played it off and said that he was fine.
Unfortunately, the 76-year-old former American footballer has passed away. A statement released by O.J. Simpson’s family said that he passed on April 10.
The statement read: “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.”
According to reports, a diagnosis of prostate cancer occurred in February and he was getting treatment for it. There were no specific details discussed in the statement by his family about his health or illness.
Not only was O.J. Simpson known for his athletic prowess, but he was also known because of a very high-profile court case. After being charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman, her friend, it seemed as if you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing his name.
At that point, which was back in 1994, O.J. Simpson became better known as a murderer. He had formerly been inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 1985, but his reputation was going downhill at that point.
Many people remember the chase in the white bronco and the statement, ‘if the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.’ He was able to get acquitted by a jury in that murder trial, but his problems were not over.
He was not held criminally responsible after being acquitted but he still was found liable for their ‘wrongful death’ in a civil lawsuit. The Goldman family was awarded $33.5 million in damages.
During his athletic career on the American football field, he played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He also spent some time on the San Francisco 49ers football team.
He was an actor well known for many appearances when he was younger, including The Cassandra Crossing, and The Towering Inferno. He also was a football commentator.
When news of his illness was posted on X, many people began to speculate that he was now in hospice. He refuted that, saying:
“Hey X world! Hospice? Hospice? You talkin’ bout hospice? No I’m not in any hospice, I don’t know who put that out there.
“In any event, I’m hosting a ton of friends for the Super Bowl here in Las Vegas, all is well!”
He did share with his social media followers that he had cancer but he didn’t give any specifics. He said: “So I had to do the whole chemo thing. I’m over the chemo… I’m healthy now. It looks like I beat it – I’m happy about that.”
Simpson is survived by four children from his first marriage and two children from his marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson.
May he rest in peace.