Simpson’s football career began with remarkable success in college. He excelled at USC, leading the team to a national title in 1967 and winning the Heisman Trophy the following year. His talents caught the attention of the NFL, and he was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1969.
Initially, Simpson faced challenges in the NFL, including contract disputes and struggles on the field. However, under the guidance of coach Lou Saban, he became a focal point of the Bills’ offense. In 1972, Simpson surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time, laying the groundwork for his historic 1973 season.
In 1973, Simpson achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, breaking records and earning accolades, including the league’s MVP award. Despite a knee injury in 1974, Simpson continued to dominate the league, leading in rushing yards for consecutive seasons.
Throughout his career, Simpson set numerous records and earned recognition as one of the greatest running backs of all time. He retired with impressive statistics, including being second on the all-time rushing list at the time of his retirement.
Beyond football, Simpson pursued acting and worked as a commentator for football broadcasts. However, his post-football life was marred by controversy, notably the ‘Trial of the Century’ in which he was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Simpson’s impact on football remains undeniable. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and earned multiple honors for his contributions to the sport.