O.J. Simpson shared a haunting video about his health just two months before his death at the age of 76.
Orenthal James Simpson, also known as “The Juice,” is a controversial NFL star turned murder suspect who was acquitted of the brutal killings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
According to a statement issued by the former footballer’s family on X (formerly known as Twitter), Simpson died on Thursday (April 11) after succumbing 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,” they added.
O.J. Simpson died at age 76. Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty
Just two months before his death, Simpson assured fans he was in “good health” in a nearly two-minute video that was posted ahead of the Super Bowl.
In a clip filmed by the pool, the infamous superstar addressed those who reached out to him, stating: “Thank you to all the people who reached out to me. My health is good. Obviously, I’m dealing with some issues, but I think I’m just about over it, and I’ll be back on that golf course hopefully in a couple of weeks.”
The late star also shared a previous video where he dismissed rumors he was going into a hospice in February this year.
“Hey X world, hospice? Hospice? You talking about hospice,” the former running back said in a video posted to X. “No, I’m not in any hospice. I don’t know who put that out there.
“I guess it’s like Donald [Trump] says, ‘You can’t trust the media,'” he continued, before concluding: “In any event, I’m hosting a tonne of friends for the Super Bowl here in Las Vegas. All is well, you know. So take care, have a good Super Bowl weekend.”
Simpson became one of the most famous football players of his day. He captured the Heisman Trophy while at USC, then played successfully for the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills. He extended his celebrity and fortune as a sportscaster, a movie and television actor, and a corporate spokesman, most notably for Hertz rental cars.
However, all that changed in 1994 when the former footballer’s ex-wife and friend were brutally stabbed to death outside of the former’s home. Within days, police announced their intention to arrest Simpson for their murders.
O.J. Simpson was arrested on June 17, 1994. Credit: Kypros/Getty
The sports star surrendered to authorities and stood trial for the murders. In October 1995, he was acquitted in a trial that was televised daily.
Simpson is survived by four children: Arnelle and Jason, from his first marriage, and Sydney and Justin, from his marriage to Nicole.