O.J. Simpson’s life is a saga of unparalleled success on the football field and an infamous legal case that gripped the nation. From his stellar football career to the high-profile murder trial, his story is one of triumphs, controversies, and a significant impact on American culture. This article discusses OJ Simpson net worth and his current earning source.
As well as it will provide a brief view of his early life and career.
Table of Contents
Who is OJ Simpson?
Orenthal James Simpson, mostly known by his nickname O.J., is a retired American football player and actor. His football career earned him accolades and made him a celebrated athlete. While a high-profile murder case drove him to the center of national attention.
Simpson’s journey to fame began in college. As a football player at the University of Southern California, he effectively showed his exceptional athletic prowess. Also, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968. In his professional career (NFL), OJ played for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Key Points to Know About OJ Simpson
| Full Name | Orenthal James Simpson |
| Nicknames | Juice, O.J. |
| Born | July 9, 1947 (age 76) |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Retired American Football Player, Actor |
| Position | Running back |
| Social Media | |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
How much is OJ Simpson Net Worth right now?
As of 2023, the former NFL running back, OJ owns nearly $3 million in net worth.
In his career beginning, OJ’s earnings were substantial. He reportedly had $10.8 million in net worth in 1992. That would be roughly $23.4 million today. And his annual income was likely more than $1 million. But due to his legal issues, his net worth dropped drastically.
Early Life
O.J. Simpson, full name Orenthal James Simpson, hails from San Francisco, born in 1947. Raised in the housing projects of Potrero Hill, he faced financial challenges during his upbringing. Despite the hardships, he had an early talent for sports and quickly rose to prominence as a gifted athlete.
Simpson was a standout in football and track in high school. His athletic abilities caught the attention of college recruiters. He attended USC, a university in Southern California. Wherein, he continued to shine on the football field. Simpson’s outstanding performance at USC earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
NFL Career Overview
O.J. Simpson’s football career is the cornerstone of his fame and success. From his college days to his NFL journey, OJ left an unforgettable mark on the sport.
Starting his football journey at USC, he evolved as the best college football player in the nation. His exceptional talent and performances at USC set the stage for a remarkable professional career.
In the 1969 NFL Draft, O.J. Simpson was selected as the first overall pick by the Buffalo Bills. This was a testament to his outstanding abilities and potential as a football player.
Simpson’s time with the Buffalo Bills was nothing short of extraordinary. With high speed and agility, he was a great running back. He held a record of rushing over 2,000 yards in a single season. It was the very first record in NFL history ever.
In his NFL career, O.J. Simpson was a consistent force on the football field, earning five Pro Bowl selections.
Leaving the Bills, Simpson spent his final two seasons playing for the San Francisco 49ers. It was just before his retirement from professional football in 1979. Although injuries affected his later years in the NFL, his impact on the sport remained indelible.
The Legal Cases
A dramatic and tragic turn took in O.J. Simpson’s life in 1994. It was due to his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman, being found murdered. The following criminal trial was one of the most hyped and divisive trials in American history.
The trial captivated the nation, as millions of people followed the proceedings on television. In a highly controversial verdict, Simpson was cleared of all charges in 1995.
Despite the acquittal in the criminal trial, Simpson faced civil litigation. And it was found liable for the wrongful deaths of Brown and Goldman in a civil trial in 1997. He was ordered to pay significant financial damages to their families.
The trial had a profound impact, sparking discussions about race, celebrity, and the criminal justice system. It also grew questions about the fairness of the legal process and polarized public opinion.
In the following years, O.J. Simpson faced legal challenges and financial difficulties. Again in 2007, he was arrested and subsequently convicted. It was due to his armed robbery and kidnapping in a separate case. He served a prison sentence before being given parole in 2017.
In 2021, Simpson was granted an early release from parole for good behavior. And currently, he is a free man.
Sources Behind OJ Simpson Net Worth
NFL Salary
During his NFL career, O.J. Simpson earned substantial sums through contracts and endorsements. As a number-one draft pick, his five-year contract with the Bills was worth $650K for five years. That was the biggest contract ever in sports at the time.
Endorsements
Off the field, The ex-running back secured lucrative endorsement deals. One such example was his contract with Hertz, a rental car company. Simpson was one of their long-time celebrity endorsers. And during this contract, Simpson earned nearly $550K annually from Hertz alone.
Including Calistoga Water Company, Simpson also endorsed Honey Baked Ham and Pioneer Chicken. All these endorsement deals further added to his overall net worth.
O. J. Simpson Enterprises
Besides his NFL career, Simpson was also the CEO and President of O. J. Simpson Enterprises. And he held several hotels and restaurants. These hugely contributed to his fortune. But unfortunately, all his earnings from the enterprise go to The Goldman family.
Acting Career
After retiring from football, Simpson ventured into acting. He has worked in over thirty films and TV shows. One of his most notable acting roles was in the “Naked Gun” film series. Where he played the role of Detective Nordberg.
As a highly-demanded endorser and NFL player, pretty sure he had good earnings from acting ventures too. OJ’s acting career would have bloomed more if his legal issue weren’t a thing. Two of his major films, Frogmen and Juiced, where he was lead, remained unaired due to his murder case.
FAQs
Is O.J. Simpson still alive and how old is he?
Yes, The former NFL player, Simpson is still alive. He is now 76 years old, as of 2023.
What did O.J. Simpson do?
O.J. was charged in 1994 with murdering his ex-wife, and a friend of hers.
What is O.J. Simpson’s income now?
Currently, O.J. Simpson has a $28K monthly income, which comes from his NFL pension.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, O.J.’s journey from a football star to a controversial figure is like a tale of triumphs and tragedies. And OJ Simpson net worth not just reflects his achievements on the football field and endorsement deals. It also the financial consequences of the infamous murder case.
