O.J. Simpson, whose immense fame on the football field was eclipsed by his infamy off it, died Wednesday according to his family. He was 76.
Simpson had been battling cancer and had been in hospice. Simpson’s attorney also confirmed his death to TMZ.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” read a statement posted by Simpson’s family on X. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
“O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”