American · San Francisco · Born 9 July 1947American former NFL running back who won the 1968 Heisman Trophy and became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single NFL season in 1973.
Orenthal James Simpson was born in San Francisco in 1947. He won the Heisman Trophy at USC before the Bills selected him first overall in 1969. He became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season (2,003 in 1973). He was acquitted of the 1995 murder of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in the 'trial of the century.' He was later convicted in 2008 on unrelated robbery and kidnapping charges and served nine years in prison. He died in April 2024. He is the most paradoxical figure in NFL history — the greatest runner of his era, the acquitted murder defendant.
First NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season (1973), explosive running style, USC Heisman Trophy winner
How They Played
Explosive speed, exceptional vision, powerful runner with ability to break away for long gains
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest running backs in NFL history, revolutionized the position with his speed and agility
Career Honours
- NFL MVP 1973
- Pro Bowl 6x
- Hall of Fame 1985
- Heisman Trophy 1968
- NFL Rushing Champion 1972-1973-1975-1976
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year 1973
- USC retired jersey #32
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 1969–1977 | 118 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 1978–1979 | 22 |
American Athletes