Orenthal James Simpson, commonly known as O. J. Simpson or 'The Juice,' was an iconic American figure renowned for his exceptional career as a professional football player, actor, and broadcaster. Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Simpson rose to prominence as a running back for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. Drafted first overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1969, he played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bills and later the San Francisco 49ers, amassing over 11,000 rushing yards and earning five Pro Bowl selections. Regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Simpson's athletic achievements were complemented by lucrative endorsements, including the groundbreaking Hertz rental car campaign, making him one of the first Black athletes to achieve widespread commercial success. After retiring from football in 1979, Simpson transitioned into acting and broadcasting, appearing in films such as the 'Naked Gun' comedy series and serving as a sports commentator for NBC and ABC. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. The subsequent 'Trial of the Century' in 1995 captivated the nation, highlighting issues of race, celebrity, and justice in America. Simpson was acquitted in the criminal trial but found liable in a 1997 civil suit, ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages. His post-trial life included further legal troubles, notably a 2008 conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, resulting in a 33-year sentence, of which he served nine years before parole in 2017. Simpson remained a polarizing figure until his death on April 10, 2024, from prostate cancer at age 76 in Las Vegas, Nevada. His legacy is complex, celebrated for pioneering opportunities for Black athletes in sports and media, yet overshadowed by the infamous murder case and subsequent convictions, which fueled ongoing debates about fame, accountability, and racial dynamics in the U.S. justice system.