Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson's official cause of death was determined to be prostate cancer, his longtime attorney, Malcolm LaVergne revealed to TMZ Sports on Friday (April 26).
LaVergne, the executor of Simpson's estate, said he received the former NFL MVP's death certificate and confirmed that the previously unspecified cancer diagnosis was of the prostate form. Simpson's family revealed his death in a statement shared on his X account on April 11.
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed 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. -The Simpson Family," the post states.
Simpson's 1994-95 murder trial and 2008 prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping have overshadowed a Hall of Fame football and acting post-retirement acting careers, which he has unsuccessfully attempted to restore though his social media presence, launching his X account just over a year after being released from jail on parole. Simpson was found "not guilty" for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1995, despite being later unanimously found liable in a civil trial for the wrongful death of and battery against Goldman and battery against Brown, and was later sentenced to 33 years in prison with the possibility of (granted) parole after nine years on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery for a separate incident in 2008.
Simpson recorded 11,236 yards, placing him second all-time when he retired (now 21st) and was the 1973 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in league history to record 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, while also recording an NFL-best 12 rushing touchdowns. The California native led the NFL in rushing yards during three other seasons and was a five-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, as well as a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and 100th Anniversary All-Time team.
Simpson also had a successful acting career, which included roles in 'The Naked Gun' film series, as well as serving as an analyst for NBC Sports prior to his murder trial. The former Heisman Trophy winner recently appeared a regular guest on the 'It Is What It Is' podcast hosted by rappers Cam'ron and Mase and co-host Treasure Wilson, which included comparing New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury to the 9/11 attacks, which was met with criticism.
Simpson also shared a video in which he implied his prison sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery was harsher than the one given to former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III in August.