Former National Football League (NFL) star O.J. Simpson has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer, his family confirmed on Thursday.
Simpson, known for his football career and high-profile legal trials, died in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” the family wrote in a statement on X.
The former footballer was cleared of the murder charges involving his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend in a highly publicised trial that captivated America in 1995.
He was sentenced to 33 years in prison on charges of armed robbery in 2008, and granted parole in 2017 after serving the minimum of nine years.
He played football at college before being signed to the Buffalo Bills NFL team in 1969, where he played until 1977.
Simpson’s legacy in football includes his time with the Buffalo Bills and his achievements as one of the greatest ball carriers in NFL history.
Simpson retired from football in in 1979.