O. J. Simpson
Inducted:
1985
Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
212 lb (96 kg)
Born:
July 9, 1947
San Francisco, California, U.S
Died:
April 10, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
CCSF (1965–1966)
USC (1967–1968)
O. J. Simpson was one of the most explosive running backs of the 1970s, known for his rare speed, balance, and open-field elusiveness. Drafted first overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1969, he became the face of the franchise and one of the league’s premier offensive stars. Simpson delivered a historic 1973 season, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards, finishing with 2,003 in just 14 games—an achievement that remains one of football’s greatest single-season performances.
A five-time Pro Bowler and league MVP, he led the NFL in rushing four times and consistently produced big plays behind the Bills’ “Electric Company” offensive line. Simpson later spent two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 1979. Despite his post-football controversies, his on-field accomplishments secured his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1985.
Simpson's Awards and Records:
- 3× UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1972, 1973, 1975)
- 4× NFL rushing yards leader (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1973, 1975)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1972–1976)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1972–1976)
NFL Records:
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1973)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1973)
- NFL scoring leader (1975)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams:
Buffalo Bills (1969–1977)
San Francisco 49ers (1978–1979)
NFL Draft:
1969: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Buffalo Bills
Number Worn:
32
NFL Stats:
Seasons:
10 (1969–1979)
Games Played:
135
Game Started:
129
Rushing yards:
11,236
Rushing average:
4.7
Rushing touchdowns:
61
Receptions:
203
Receiving yards:
2,142
Receiving touchdowns:
14