Simpson, Orenthal

Simpson, (Orenthal James) “O.J.” (1947–  ) football player; born in San Francisco. A two-time All-American halfback and Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Southern California, he joined the professional Buffalo Bills in 1969 but did not excel until the offense was tailored to showcase his running. He topped 1,000 yards rushing five consecutive years (1972–76) and led the National Football League four times. In 1973 he became the first to rush for over 2,000 yards. After retiring from pro football (1979), he moved on to a profitable career in television commercials and as a sportscaster. When his estranged wife Nicole and Ronald Goldman were murdered, Simpson was charged with the crime in a case that became a sensational media event.