O.J. Simpson, the former NFL Hall of Famer and infamous figure in American history, passed away at the age of 76 following a battle with prostate cancer. Simpson, who rose to fame as a professional football player for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, became one of the most high-profile figures in history due to his involvement in a highly publicized criminal trial in the 1990s. His financial journey has been just as tumultuous, marked by staggering wealth at the height of his career, dramatic legal battles, and a significant financial decline. At the time of his death, O.J. Simpson’s net worth was estimated at around $3 million, largely derived from pensions and settlements, but his financial legacy is deeply intertwined with both triumphs and controversies.
O.J. Simpson’s Early Life and Rise to Fame
Orenthal James Simpson was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, to Eunice, a hospital administrator, and Jimmy Lee Simpson, a chef. Simpson’s early life was filled with challenges, including his father’s abandonment of the family and his own struggles with illness. However, his athleticism became apparent early on, and Simpson found his passion for football as a teenager. After attending Galileo High School, he earned a football scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where he became a star running back. He won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968 as the best player in college football, and in 1969, Simpson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Simpson’s performance on the field was nothing short of spectacular. He made history by becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973. Over the course of his career, Simpson was named to six Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. His wealth at the time stemmed from his successful football career, endorsement deals, and investments. However, his life outside of football would eventually overshadow his athletic achievements.
O.J. Simpson’s Net Worth at the Height of His Career
At the peak of his career, O.J. Simpson’s net worth was far greater than the $3 million he had at the time of his death. During his time in the NFL, Simpson earned substantial salaries for his athletic prowess, along with lucrative endorsement deals. Simpson became the face of several brands, most famously Hertz rental cars, which used Simpson in commercials where he was seen running through airports. These endorsement deals helped him earn millions over the years.
In addition to his football earnings, Simpson enjoyed a moderately successful acting career, with roles in movies like The Towering Inferno (1974) and the Naked Gun trilogy (1988-1994). His acting career, coupled with his endorsement deals, helped build his fortune. Simpson also made investments in real estate, further adding to his growing wealth. At the height of his fame and fortune, Simpson’s net worth was estimated to be as high as $10 million—an impressive sum for a former football player who made the transition into acting and business.
The Fall: Legal Battles and Financial Decline
However, the events of the 1990s would lead to Simpson’s downfall, both financially and personally. In 1994, Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were tragically murdered. Simpson became the prime suspect, and the subsequent criminal trial, known as the “Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation. In 1995, Simpson was acquitted of all criminal charges, a decision that sparked widespread debate. Though he was found not guilty, the damage to his reputation and finances was already done.
Following his criminal trial, Simpson was found guilty in a civil case filed by the Goldman family, who sought compensation for the wrongful deaths of their loved ones. In 1997, a court ordered Simpson to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Goldman family. Despite the judgment, Simpson failed to pay a large portion of the settlement, and the Goldman family has continued to press for compensation. The judgment has grown significantly over time, with interest, and the Goldman family has now set their sights on Simpson’s children to recover the money.
Simpson’s financial woes were compounded by the collapse of his business ventures, legal fees, and mounting personal expenses. While he had some remaining assets, including his NFL pension and other royalties, his financial status took a major hit as he struggled to meet the civil judgment and deal with mounting legal costs. His wealth continued to dwindle, and by the time of his death in 2024, O.J. Simpson’s net worth had been significantly reduced to just $3 million.
Simpson’s Pensions and Residual Income
One of the primary sources of income for O.J. Simpson in his later years was his NFL pension, which, combined with his Screen Actors Guild (SAG) pension, provided him with a steady income. Simpson’s NFL pension was reportedly worth as much as $5 million, and he was receiving approximately $400,000 annually from his pensions alone. Importantly, these pensions were protected by state law, which meant they could not be seized to satisfy his civil liabilities. This legal protection allowed Simpson to maintain a relatively comfortable lifestyle despite his financial difficulties.
Additionally, Simpson continued to earn residuals from his acting career, particularly from the Naked Gun films and his time as a sports commentator. His association with Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, where he served as narrator, also brought in additional income. Despite his legal troubles, these ongoing revenue streams ensured Simpson’s financial survival, though it was far from the wealth he once enjoyed.
O.J. Simpson’s Family and Personal Life
O.J. Simpson’s personal life has been as tumultuous as his financial journey. He was married twice—first to Maureen Cox, with whom he had three children: Zak, Jason, and Lee. After their divorce in 1975, Simpson remarried actress Nicole Brown in 1985, and they had two children together: Sydney and Justin. The couple divorced in 1992 after a troubled marriage marked by allegations of abuse. Following Nicole’s tragic death, Simpson’s personal life was forever tied to the public’s perception of him, with his trial and conviction dominating headlines.
Despite the controversy surrounding his life, Simpson remained connected to his children, with whom he had a somewhat strained but enduring relationship. He also had eight grandchildren, one from Zak, four from Jason, and three from Lee. In 2016, Simpson became a great-grandfather, marking another milestone in his personal life.