• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  July 09, 1947
• Date of Death:  April 10, 2024

Orenthal James Simpson, famously known as O.J. Simpson, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated football players in American history. Yet, his achievements on the field were overshadowed by a tumultuous personal life, a sensational trial, and a subsequent fall from grace.

Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, O.J. Simpson grew up in the housing projects of Potrero Hill. His childhood was marked by poverty and adversity, but he found solace and purpose on the football field. Excelling in high school football, Simpson caught the attention of college recruiters and earned a scholarship to play for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans.

At USC, Simpson emerged as a star running back, earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968 as college football's most outstanding player. His remarkable athleticism and speed propelled him to the top of the sport, and he soon set his sights on a professional career in the NFL.

In 1969, Simpson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Over the next decade, he became one of the most dominant players in the league, setting numerous records and earning the nickname "The Juice" for his electrifying performances on the field. Simpson's unparalleled success in football not only brought him fame and fortune but also catapulted him into the realm of celebrity.

During his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, Simpson achieved remarkable success, earning six Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in rushing yards four times. In 1973, he became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, a feat that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Simpson also pursued a career in acting and broadcasting. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic "Naked Gun" series, where he showcased his comedic talents to a global audience.

Despite his illustrious career, O.J. Simpson's life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he became embroiled in one of the most sensational criminal trials in American history. Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in a brutal double homicide that shocked the nation.

The trial, which captivated the world's attention, unfolded amid a frenzy of media coverage and public scrutiny. Simpson's legal "dream team," led by defense attorneys Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro, and F. Lee Bailey, mounted a vigorous defense, raising doubts about the prosecution's evidence and challenging the credibility of key witnesses.

In October 1995, after months of courtroom drama and deliberation, the jury delivered a stunning verdict, finding Simpson not guilty of murder. The acquittal sparked intense debate and controversy, with many questioning the integrity of the criminal justice system and the role of race and celebrity in the outcome of the trial.

In 2007, Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, and charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. In 2008, he was convicted and sentenced to 33 years' imprisonment, with a minimum of nine years without parole. He was granted parole on July 20, 2017 and an early release from parole October 1, 2017.

Throughout his life, O.J. Simpson's personal relationships were often tumultuous and fraught with conflict. His marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson was marred by allegations of domestic violence, which cast a shadow over their union and ultimately ended in divorce. Tragically, Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered in 1994, leading to Simpson's arrest and trial for their deaths.

Despite the turmoil surrounding his legal troubles, Simpson remained devoted to his family, including his children from his marriage to Nicole. His children, Sydney and Justin, stood by their father throughout the trial.

Simpson passed away April 10, 2024 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

O.J. Simpson's Religious Beliefs

In the years following his acquittal, O.J. Simpson embarked on a journey of spiritual reflection and redemption. He publicly declared his Christian faith and sought solace in religion as a source of healing and forgiveness. Simpson credited his newfound faith with helping him cope with the trauma of his trial and the loss of his ex-wife and friend.

"I was always a good guy, but could have been a better Christian, and my commitment to change is to be a better Christian," he said of his time in prison in an interview with ABC News in 2017.