By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
O.J. Simpson, a towering figure in both the sports world and the annals of American legal history, has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death in a statement issued early on Thursday, April 11.
“On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” read the statement shared by Simpson’s family. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
Simpson’s life story, a blend of unparalleled athletic achievement and enduring controversy, began in San Francisco, California, on July 9, 1947. His rise to prominence began at the University of Southern California (USC), where his prowess as a college football star catapulted him into the national spotlight. His remarkable talent on the field, including a legendary game-winning touchdown against rival UCLA, solidified his status as one of the most electrifying athletes of his era.
Simpson’s professional career initially experienced difficulties after the Buffalo Bills selected him with the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft. However, under the guidance of coach Lou Saban, he flourished, achieving feats that would etch his name in football history.
