Died Due To Cancer, OJ Simpson Was An Olympic World Record Holder In Track And Field Before NFL Career

NFL athlete Orenthal James Simpson breathed his last on April 10, 2024. According to an X update from his family, OJ Simpson succumbed to his long battle with cancer. He had quite a remarkable career in the NFL. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers, the 76-year-old won a number of accolades. However, apart from his NFL antics, there was also a hidden side of Simpson that not many know of. 

OJ Simpson was also a track and field star. Back during his college days, Simpson took a keen interest in running. What’s more, he even managed to shatter an Olympic record along with his team in the track and field realm. 

OJ Simpson succeeded in track and field before NFL

Back in 2022, OJ Simpson sat down with Kyle Forgeard in an episode of the Full Send Podcast. While discussing several issues related to Simpson’s life, the topic of his track and field days came up. This is where the NFL running back chimed in with some incredible revelations that also involved an Olympic record. 

Competing in the 4×110 yard relay back in 1967, Simpson won the NCAA track and field championships. Registering a world record timing of 38.6 seconds, Simpson created a history that has been left unscathed to date. Reflecting on the same, Simpson stated, “When I came to USC as a second-semester sophomore. It was February when I got there and I ran track and we won the National Championship indoor and outdoor. I was on the record-breaking 4×100 relay team. We shattered the Olympic record and the world record so we won this… It was before football season so, I was a track guy.” 

Reminiscing the good old days, Simpson mentioned that this phase was the highlight of his career. However, Simpson was also hit by a huge controversy when he was suspected of murder. But even amidst the scandal, OJ Simpson had quite a good run in the NFL. 

Simpson’s time with the NFL

Debuting in 1978, Simpson had quite the run with the 49ers. His career panned for 11 seasons, out of which, he played with the Buffalo Bills for nine years. Well-known as ‘The Juice’, Simpson clinched a total of four NFL Rushing titles. His infield achievements include a total of 11236 yards and seventy-six touchdowns. Simpson also featured in 5 Pro Bowls. 

After his demise, Simpson’s family has conveyed that during his demise, the ex-NFL RB was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. They also requested everyone to help them get over the grief by allowing them privacy.

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