O.J. Simpson Career Biography and Statistics

Bio:
Known as the "Juice," O.J. Simpson was one of the NFL's most dominating running backs. But his career has been forever overshadowed by his alleged murder of his second wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, in the so-called “Trial of the Century" that captivated the nation and ushered in an era of round-the-clock celebrity news.

After a Heisman Trophy-winning collegiate career at USC, Simpson was chosen first overall by the then-American Football League's Buffalo Bills in the 1969 draft. Simpson struggled on poor Buffalo teams in his first three years, and first rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 1972. In 1973, Simpson rushed for a then-record 2,003 yards, becoming the first player ever to pass the 2,000-yard mark and scored 12 touchdowns. Simpson gained more than 1,000 rushing yards for each of his next three seasons. Injuries curtailed Simpson's 1977 season in Buffalo and in the off-season, Simpson signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played two unremarkable seasons.

Upon his retirement, Simpson worked as an actor, spokesperson and broadcaster. Although as a youth he'd spent time in a correctional facility, Simpson' cultivated an amiable persona which, with his natural charisma, made him a favorite corporate spokesman. Most famously, he was seen running through airports in Hertz commercials. He also starred in made-for-TV movies and “B" films (including the ironic-in-hindsight “The Naked Gun").

One day in 1994, Simpson made his most famous run - from the law, in the now-iconic “Ford Bronco chase" after his ex-wife was found murdered. Simpson was indicted and tried for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994. He was acquitted in criminal court in 1995 after a lengthy, highly publicized trial that divided most Americans along racial lines. In 1997, Simpson was found liable for their deaths in civil court, but to date has paid little of the $33.5 million judgment.