Why OJ Simpson is Famous for Football: A List of Accomplishments

Over time, former running back O.J. Simpson has become famous for far more than what he originally set out to be. Simpson tragically passed away on April 10, 2024, from a battle with prostate cancer. He was 76 years of age at the time of his passing.

Simpson fell into multiple bouts of legal trouble, most notably being acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman in 1994. The trial was very public and Simpson never lived it down. He also was arrested in Las Vegas in 2007, being charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison but was released on early parole in 2021.

While these are instances that the public may remember Simpson the most, his accomplishments on the football field can't be overstated. He is regarded as one of the best running backs of all time, both at the collegiate and professional level.

Simpson attended USC for college, where he would go on to break all sorts of records with the Trojans. He played two years at USC, racking up 3,423 yards and 36 touchdowns during that time. Simpson led the nation in rushing yards each season he was with USC, rushing for 1,543 yards and 1,880 yards on 383 carries in 1968. He helped USC win the National Championship in 1967.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and was a unanimous All-American in both years he played. Some other accomplishments of Simpson in college include winning the Maxwell Award in 1968, the Walter Camp Award in 1967, the Sporting News College Football Player of the Year award in 1968, winning the United Press International Player of the Year award twice, and being named to the First Team All-Pac-8 Team twice.

Entering the NFL, Simpson was one of the hottest names to come into the league in a long time. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills first overall in the 1969 NFL Draft. Simpson took the league by storm shortly after being drafted, helping the Bills offense become explosive.

He won the MVP Award in 1973, becoming the first running back in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. He broke Jim Brown's single-season rushing record by posting 2,003 yards in the season, which consisted of only 14 games. His 143.1 rushing yards average per game remains the highest in league history for a season.

Simpson led the league in rushing four times in a five-season span between 1972-1976. He posted 7,699 yards during this time, lapping the next closest player by over 2,500 yards.

In 1975, Simpson put on a show, rushing for 2,243 yards from scrimmage and scoring 23 total touchdowns. Many consider this to be the best season of his NFL career, even without winning the MVP.

In total, he made six Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro selection five times. He was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s and the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Simpson made the NFL Hall-of-Fame in 1985, which was his first year of eligibility.

Simpson played in the NFL for 11 seasons, playing nine with the Bills before joining the San Francisco 49ers for his final two. He finished his career with 11,236 yards and 61 touchdowns on the ground. Despite all of his accomplishments, Simpson only reached the postseason one time. The Bills lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round in 1974.

Simpson will forever be remembered for his greatness on the football field, giving his all to the game. We wish his family and friends our condolences during this time of mourning.