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O. J. Simpson

American football player, actor, convicted felon

O. J. Simpson, a former NFL player, won the Heisman Trophy and set records for rushing yards. Despite his success, he is infamous for the controversial murder trial of his ex-wife and her friend. Simpson was acquitted but later found liable in a civil suit. He was also convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping, serving time in prison until his release in 2017. He passed away in 2024.

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Timeline

1947-07-09
Birth of Orenthal James Simpson
Orenthal James Simpson, also known as O. J. Simpson, was born in San Francisco. He spent his childhood in public housing in the Potrero Hill neighborhood.
1965
Graduation of O.J. Simpson from Galileo High School
O.J. Simpson graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco in 1965, where he played football for the school team, the Galileo Lions.
1968
Winning the Heisman Trophy
In 1968, O. J. Simpson won the Heisman Trophy, which is college football's most prestigious award.
1969
O.J. Simpson drafted by Buffalo Bills
In 1969, O.J. Simpson was drafted as the number one pick by the AFL Buffalo Bills, known for his energetic runs and record-breaking performances.
1971
Struggles in Professional Football Career
Despite high expectations, O.J. Simpson initially struggled in his professional football career with the Buffalo Bills. He faced challenges in his first few years, but eventually became a key player in the team's offense under coach Lou Saban.
1973-12-16
O.J. Simpson Breaks NFL Rushing Record
On December 16, 1973, O.J. Simpson made history by becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 2,003 rushing yards.
1974
Acting in 'The Klansman'
In 1974, O. J. Simpson appeared in the film 'The Klansman' where he portrayed a man framed for murder by the police.
1975
O. J. Simpson Hertz Advertisements
O. J. Simpson appeared in advertisements for the Hertz rental car company, where he was depicted running through airports embodying speed, with the slogan 'Go, O.J., Go!'
1976-11-25
O.J. Simpson rushes for 273 yards in a single game
On November 25, 1976, O.J. Simpson had the best game of his career against the Detroit Lions, rushing for a then-record 273 yards on 29 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. Despite his performance, the Bills lost the game 27–14.
1978
O.J. Simpson traded to San Francisco 49ers
Before the 1978 season, the Buffalo Bills traded O.J. Simpson to his hometown team, the San Francisco 49ers, for a series of draft picks. Simpson played for the 49ers for two seasons, rushing for 1,053 yards and four touchdowns.
1985-02-02
Marriage to Nicole Brown
O. J. Simpson married Nicole Brown on February 2, 1985, and they had two children together. The marriage lasted seven years.
1986
Death of Jimmy Lee Simpson
Jimmy Lee Simpson, O.J. Simpson's father, passed away in 1986 due to AIDS. He was known to have worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and was a drag queen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1988
First Naked Gun Movie Release
In 1988, the first 'Naked Gun' crime comedy movie was released, featuring a co-star who had been appearing in TV shows and commercials since the late 1960s.
1992-02-25
Divorce from Nicole Brown
O. J. Simpson divorced Nicole Brown on February 25, 1992, citing irreconcilable differences.
1992-10-15
Nicole Brown Simpson Divorce Finalized
In 1992, Nicole Brown Simpson filed for divorce after seven years of marriage, and it was finalized on October 15th.
1994-06-12
Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman
On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were tragically murdered. The case gained significant media attention and became a focal point in the trial of O. J. Simpson.
1994-06-13
Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman
On June 13, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson, ex-wife of O.J. Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her condominium in Los Angeles. This tragic event led to a highly publicized murder case and trial involving O.J. Simpson.
1994-06-17
O. J. Simpson's Bronco Chase
O. J. Simpson first fled (with a disguise and a passport) in his Bronco instead of surrendering to the police, leading to a highly publicized chase. The event captured the attention of the nation.
1995-01-24
O. J. Simpson Trial Begins
The trial of O. J. Simpson began on January 24, 1995, and gained immense media attention. The prosecution focused on domestic violence and presented a bloody glove as key evidence, while the defense argued mishandling of evidence and racism within the police department.
1995-10-03
Acquittal of O. J. Simpson
On October 3, 1995, O. J. Simpson was acquitted of the murder charges in a highly publicized trial. The verdict sparked widespread debate and controversy.
1997-02-05
Civil Jury Finds O. J. Simpson Liable for Wrongful Death and Battery
After a civil lawsuit filed by the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, a jury in Santa Monica, California, unanimously found O. J. Simpson liable for the wrongful death of Ron Goldman and battery against both Goldman and Brown. Simpson was ordered to pay $33,500,000 in damages.
1998-07
Demolition of O. J. Simpson's Home at 360 North Rockingham Avenue
In July 1998, the house in which O. J. Simpson had lived for 20 years at 360 North Rockingham Avenue was demolished by its next owner, Kenneth Abdalla, an investment banker and president of the Jerry's Famous Deli chain.
1999-02
Auction of O. J. Simpson's Heisman Trophy and Belongings
In February 1999, an auction of O. J. Simpson's Heisman Trophy and other belongings netted almost $500,000, which went to the Goldman family.
2000
O.J. Simpson: The Untold Story Documentary
The documentary reveals overlooked clues in the murder case and presents new leads that could change perspectives on the investigation.
2007-09-13
Palace Station hotel-casino robbery
On September 13, 2007, O. J. Simpson and a group of men entered a room at the Palace Station hotel-casino and took sports memorabilia at gunpoint, leading to Simpson being questioned by police. Simpson admitted to taking the items, claiming they were stolen from him, but denied breaking into the room or using a gun.
2008-10-03
Conviction on robbery charges
On October 3, 2008, O. J. Simpson and his co-defendant were found guilty of all charges related to the robbery at the Nevada District Court. Simpson faced a possible life sentence for kidnapping and mandatory prison time for armed robbery.
2008-12-05
O.J. Simpson Found Guilty in Las Vegas Robbery Case
O.J. Simpson was found guilty in a botched robbery in Las Vegas where he led a group of men to steal sports memorabilia at gunpoint. He was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison.
2010-10
O. J. Simpson denied appeal by Nevada Supreme Court
In October 2010, O. J. Simpson's appeal is denied by the Nevada Supreme Court. He is granted a new trial, eventually takes a plea deal, and is released.
2013-07-31
Granting of parole
On July 31, 2013, the Nevada Parole Board granted O. J. Simpson parole on some convictions related to the robbery, but he remained imprisoned due to weapons and assault convictions. Simpson's prior criminal record and behavior in prison were considered in the decision.
2014
OJ: Trial of the Century TV Movie Documentary
This documentary covers the events from the day of the murders to the reading of the verdict, using actual media footage.
2016
O.J.: Made in America Documentary Mini-Series
A five-part documentary film providing in-depth analysis of the O.J. Simpson case, focusing on the racial tensions in Los Angeles.
2017-10-01
O.J. Simpson Released from Prison
On the first day he was eligible for release, O.J. Simpson, then 70 years old, walked out of the Lovelock Correctional Institute in Nevada. He expressed his desire to enjoy simple pleasures and spend time with family and friends.
2018-01
Dodges effort to turn over cash from signing autographs
In January 2018, O. J. Simpson avoids attempts to make him hand over money earned from signing autographs to pay off a $70 million civil judgment related to the killings.
2018-03
Fox TV airs 2006 interview with Simpson
In March 2018, Fox TV airs a previously unseen 2006 interview with O. J. Simpson where he speculates about the night of his ex-wife's murder. The broadcast includes a fictionalized 'lost confession' to the killings.
2019-06
O. J. Simpson expresses contentment in Las Vegas
In June 2019, O. J. Simpson stated to The Associated Press that he was happy and healthy in Las Vegas, 25 years after the killings. He mentioned that he and his children did not want to revisit the tragic events of their past.
2020
OJ25 TV Series
A 25-part series on Court TV documenting each week of the O.J. Simpson trial, hosted by Roger Cossack.
2021-04
O. J. Simpson settles defamation lawsuit against The Cosmopolitan
In April 2021, O. J. Simpson reached a settlement in his lawsuit against The Cosmopolitan's workers for defamation. The workers had allegedly claimed he was banned for disruptive behavior, which his attorneys argued further tarnished his reputation.
2021-12
O. J. Simpson discharged from parole
In December 2021, O. J. Simpson was granted good behavior credits and subsequently discharged from parole. This marked a significant milestone in his legal journey.
2022-04-11
Death of O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson, the onetime football star who was famously acquitted of murder in a notorious case, passed away at the age of 76 due to cancer.
2024-04-10
Death of O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, after battling cancer. His family announced his death and requested privacy during this time. Simpson's death marked the end of a controversial and high-profile life that included legal troubles and public scrutiny.
2024-04-11
Death of O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. His family announced his death and requested privacy during this time of transition.
End of the Timeline
O. J. Simpson

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