O.J. Simpson, a figure synonymous with both athletic achievement and a notorious criminal trial, has remained in the American public’s attention for more than a few decades. While many remember the key moments from his rise to fame as an NFL star, others keep in mind the subsequent trial for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.
There are numerous aspects of Simpson’s life and legacy that get easily overlooked. Whether it is his early career, his influence on media, or his recent life, there are things about O.J. Simpson that still stand out; things that many have forgotten or overlooked, but we certainly didn’t!
Here are the 10 most important things that you may have forgotten about O.J. that we compiled in a list. If you want to find out more, then keep on reading!
1. Simpson Was a Commercial Icon
In the 1970s and 1980s, O.J. Simpson wasn’t just known for his football career, but he was also one of the most marketable athletes in America. He became a key figure in advertising, appearing in many commercial campaigns.
His most iconic campaign is with Ford Motor Company, where he starred in a series of ads that featured him running through airports and busy streets, leaping over obstacles, all while showing off the latest Ford vehicles. His charm and athleticism made him a perfect figure for advertising, and he became a familiar face on TV screens across the nation.
Simpson’s endorsement deals extended to other major companies, like Hertz. His portrayal of the all-American, fast, and reliable athlete aligned perfectly with the company’s image. These contracts helped propel him into the mainstream consciousness, making him a pop culture sensation.
Before his legal troubles, O.J. was a beloved commercial star, and his ads were among the most memorable of their time.
2. His Football Career Was More Than Just a Heisman Trophy
O.J. Simpson’s name is for a good reason, etched in the memory of American football forever.
Before the infamous trial and all the media frenzy, Simpson was a legendary football player. In 1968, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country while playing for the University of Southern California (USC). His Heisman win was only the beginning of what would be a remarkable career in professional football.
In 1969 he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and went on to become the most dominant running back in NFL history. In 1973 he became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. This achievement was monumental at the time and solidified Simpson as one of the greatest players of his era.
3. Simpson’s Brief Acting Career
Even if O.J. Simpson is mostly remembered for his football career or his legal battles, many forget that he tried acting at some point. He appeared in some films during the 1970s and 1980s, with his most notable role being in the 1974 film The Towering Inferno. The movie was a massive success, gaining over $100 million and solidifying his place in Hollywood for a brief moment.
He also acted in other films like Capricorn One (1978) and Naked Gun (1988). Though he never reached the level of superstardom in Hollywood, Simpson was a recognizable face on the big screen for a short period of time.
4. Simpson’s Friendship with Celebrities
Before his trial became a media spectacle, O.J. Simpson was friends with most of Hollywood’s elite. He was particularly close with Robert Kardashian, a famous attorney who would go on to play the most important role in his legal defense team. The Kardashian connection was crucial in helping Simpson secure his acquittal.
Simpson’s friendship with actor and comedian Jim Brown, a fellow NFL legend, was also well-known. O.J. shaped his public image using the relationships that he fostered in the entertainment industry, and that created access to a huge network of influential people.
5. The White Bronco Chase
One of the defining moments of O.J. Simpson’s public image was the infamous white Ford Bronco chase. On June 17, 1994, he was supposed to surrender to the police after being charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. He instead chose to run away and became the subject of a nationwide televised police chase.
The sight of Simpson riding in a white Bronco, with former NFL player Al Cowlings behind the wheel, as it slowly made its way across the Los Angeles Freeway, is a moment that captured the attention of millions.
For hours, the media covered the story in real time as viewers watched the fugitives lead the police on a surreal chase. The chase was a symbol of the intense interest in the case that would dominate for the next months, turning the Simpson story into a media circus.
6. The Aftermath of the Trial
Even if Simpson was acquitted for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1995, his legal troubles did not end there. In 2007, he was arrested again for armed robbery and kidnapping. One year later, O.J. Simpson was convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 9 years.
He served nearly 9 years in prison before being granted parole in 2017. Since then, he tried to rebuild his public image while continuing to fight with his past. Even though his prison sentence was not related to the murders for which he was initially famous, the robbery conviction and his time behind bars reminded us that O.J. Simpson’s legal issues were far from over at that time.
7. His Time in Prison: A Reality Check
O.J.’s time in prison was a period of reflection, and it also had a big impact on his public persona. It is reported that Simpson remained a fitness enthusiast and spent much of his time working out and playing sports like basketball and golf. He even earned a reputation for being a model inmate, for staying out of trouble.
Although he was not convicted for murder, the incarceration served as a reality check for O.J. Simpson. He was no longer seen as an athlete and a media icon, and his prison life was far from the luxury and fame that he once knew. This time marked a turning point in his post-prison life.
8. O.J. Simpson’s Parole Hearing
Simpson’s parole hearing in 2017 was another high-profile media moment in his life. The hearing was televised, and it was again watched by millions. O.J., who was now 70 years old, was calm, measured, and remorseful, explaining that he learned from his mistakes and is ready to reenter society.
He was granted parole after serving the minimum of 9 years, a decision that sparked discussion and wide media coverage.
For everyone, the hearing was seen as a second chance for Simpson, even if his reputation was permanently damaged by the murder trial and the robbery legal issues.
9. O.J. Simpson’s Attempt at Social Media
After being released from prison, O.J. Simpson made headlines again when he joined social media via a Twitter account. His online presence was an attempt to reenter the public sphere in a new way, but it also reminded people of his infamous past. His tweets sparked debates about whether he should be allowed to gain a social platform after his criminal history.
His presence on social media remains a source of fascination for many, as they follow his posts about sports, life, and comments on different subjects.
10. Simpsons’ Legacy: A Complex Figure
O.J. Simpson died on April 10th, 2024, after a long battle with cancer, and his legacy remains a complex and polarizing topic. To some, he is remembered as a legendary football player who broke barriers and achieved greatness on the field. To others, he is a man whose life was defined by scandal, legal battles, and loss of public trust.
His story is one of triumph, disgrace, and ultimately survival.
If you want to find more about O.J.’s story, you can read the book: Outrage: The Five Reasons Why O. J. Simpson Got Away with Murder
You can NOW check out 7 Shocking Things That Just Don’t Add Up in O.J. Simpson’s trial!
