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“Praying For O.J. Simpson’s Children”: Magic Johnson Joins Millions in Mourning Death of Controversial NFL Legend

Published 04/11/2024, 3:40 PM EDT

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The global sporting community went into grief as the news broke out about the death of O.J. Simpson, one of the NFL legends. Simpson was, in one sense, overshadowed by the accusations later brought against him. He passed away at the age of 76 after a cancer battle. Simpson’s life was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, from his celebrated career in the NFL to the infamous trial that captivated the nation. Yet, in the wake of his passing, Johnson’s gesture serves as a reminder of the human dimension behind the headlines—a family grappling with the profound loss of a father, grandfather, and loved one.

However, the last casualties of the tumult that engulfed the country became the subject of intense discussion. His life and legacy are being talked about, with many praising and mourning him. Basketball icon Magic Johnson took to social media, expressing his sympathies for Simpson’s family.

Without a doubt, Simpson’s extraordinary football career will go down in history. Chosen first overall by the Bills of Buffalo, the next-door neighbor, in 1969, he trail-blazed through opposing defensive lines with the San Francisco 49ers for a record career span, followed by enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1985.

The NFL Career of O.J. Simpson

Simpson was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California. Simpson’s football greatness commenced at the University of Southern California (USC), where he enjoyed national acclaim as a running back. Such outstanding results got him the Heisman Trophy in 1968, giving him a mirror to the best of the young sportsmen and athletes.

In 1969, the Buffalo Bulls chose Simpson as No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, making Simpson’s professional career one of the greatest stories in sports history. Through 11 seasons of the National Football League, Simpson secured a legacy of scintillating speed, agility, and absolute tenacity.

When Simpson was a Bills player, he won another nickname, ‘The Juice’, for the interest he generated for his great game. What makes witnessing this milestone even more astonishing is that it took O.J. Simpson around 18 games to exceed the mythical number of 2,000 yards while rushing in 1973, a record that stayed unbeaten until 18 more years later.

If someone were to describe Simpson as being an exceptional athlete, then it would not be an overstatement. For one thing, his expertise in evading the defenders and the ability to predict their moves have made him a one-of-a-kind player on the field, leading to numerous titles and prestigious designations such as the Pro Bowl.

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Written by:

Daksh Saini

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Daksh Saini is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, where his passion for basketball converges with insightful analysis. Daksh specializes in crafting compelling articles that delve into the legacies of NBA legends. His unique perspective, coupled with a deep understanding of the game, allows him to offer readers nuanced commentary and engaging narratives focused on the iconic figures who have shaped the history of professional basketball.
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