Friend of Shreveport, OJ Simpson, Has Died At 76

Pro Football Hall of Fame member OJ Simpson has died at the age of 76, according to his family.

The social media post from the family says Simpson died on April 10th, 2024 after a battle with cancer. The family has asked for privacy and grace at this time.

Simpson was a high profile college football player in the 1960s for USC. While with the Trojans, Simpson won a Maxwell Award, a National Championship, and a Heisman Trophy. He then became the number 1 overall draft pick in the 1969 NFL Draft, which made him a member of the Buffalo Bills.

While not an instant success in the NFL (he didn't start any games his rookie year), by 1973 Simpson had become the NFL Most Valuable Player. During his NFL career, he was named to 5 Pro Bowls and was a 5-time First Team All-Pro player. He's a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, and 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Simpson is a member of the Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While still playing, Simpson had started working in acting roles as well. Appearing in shows like Dragnet and Here's Lucy. He would continue to work as an actor after his football career, including a breakout comedy performance in the Naked Gun films.

Simpson infamously faced charges in the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The trial captured the nation's attention, and became one of the most watched news stories in American history. Simpson was found not guilty in a criminal trial, but faced a wrongful death civil trial. In the civil trail, Simpson was found liable for the wrongful death of and battery of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Over the next few decades, Simpson would again run into more legal trouble. Including time in prison.

Simpson's history with Shreveport dates back to his mother's youth. During one of his many trips to Shreveport, Simpson said that his mother attended Shreveport's Central High School. He would often come to the area for family celebrations, vacations, and golf. He told local reporters that his family still owned property in the area, and he seemed to really enjoy his time in our area.