OJ Simpson dead at 76: Timeline of key moments from football career to murder trial

Sportscaster Jim Gray reflected on the life and legacy of Orenthal James Simpson, who passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

O.J. Simpson, former NFL running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer, passed away this week following his "battle with cancer," his family announced Thursday. 

Simpson, who was 76, was most remembered for his football career and roles as a movie star, TV pitchman and sports commentator before being acquitted in the double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in a made-for-TV trial that captivated the nation. 

Simpson began his prolific football career in 1967 when he led all college running backs in rushing in his first season at the University of Southern California, before winning college football’s top honor – the Heisman Trophy – a year later.  

Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson leaves the New York Jets defense behind as he breaks loose for a touchdown in the second quarter of the Bills 34-14 win at Shea Stadium in New York City onDec. 16, 1973.  (AP/File)

He then went to the Buffalo Bills as the first pick in the 1969 draft before retiring a decade later with 11,236 rushing yards, second-most in NFL history at the time. In 1985, Simpson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

OJ SIMPSON DEAD AT 76, FAMILY SAYS

Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson were married in 1985. They had two children, Justin and Sydney, and divorced in 1992. Two years later, Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home. 

O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson pose at the March 1994 premiere of "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult," in which O.J. starred. (Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

On June 17, 1994, after being ordered