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via Imago

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OJ Simpson was once known as one of the best running backs in the league. So, it’s no wonder he still feels for his fellow athletes who play in the same position. The NFL MVP took to Twitter a few days ago to voice his concerns about less favorable payouts for the RBs. It’s not very typical of the former RB himself to point fingers at the same league he once called home. However, not only did he pin the blame but also provided illustrative cases with the likes of the Raiders and even the Giants, where athletes are experiencing pay-related challenges.

The former RB posted the video, amidst his false heart-attack reports, dismissing them as bogus. Then he thoroughly explored the current happenings around the league surrounding the top-tier running back. And a recent article has only substantiated his claims.

OJ Simpson wants the best for running backs

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Captioned, ‘Running backs deserve better’, the former 49ers dived into the depths of pay disparity around the league. He pointed out how athletes like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs are not getting fairly compensated compared to the likes of Alvin Canara and Christian McCaffrey, who are blessed with a long-term deal with their respective teams, and a substantial pay raise when compared. He also pointed out how these RBs yearn for a long-term deal, yet fail to do so. Meanwhile, another article plums into depths about the same issue, with one certain team for the root cause.

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An article by the LA Times showcases how an RB has been treated in the league over the years, and how it all started with the Rams. It also adds how these athletes are paid little to no compensation in college, just to be discarded a few seasons after getting drafted. Despite playing a crucial role, they are often tossed in the middle of their careers, with a life without promises. The author also expressed how it could have commenced, and pointed out how the Rams signed an RB, Todd Gurley, with a whopping $57 million, which became a huge problem later on.

Read More: OJ Simpson Discusses NFL’s Dark Concerns With a Four-Word Reality Check

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After encountering a knee injury, his productivity was limited, with a $20 million liability for the team. This instigated other teams to invest less and less in an RB, hence the dilemma.

The epitome of an unappreciated role?

Running backs have endured years of underwhelming experiences. Although the scene is a bit different with this season’s first-round running backs being paid handsomely, it’s the veterans who suffer. Despite ruling the league for half a decade, Dalvin Cook was released from the Vikings, without a single offer in sight. And in the curious case of Saquon Barkley, is rather unsatisfactory. While coveting a long-term deal with better pay, he has been served with nothing but a franchise tag.

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Notably, a kicker, who plays a less significant position than a running back, has a better average salary. While a kicker makes a whopping $2.26 million on average, a running back makes only $1.81 million. All in all, only a promising future awaits with boundless hope. As more influential figures raise their concerns, it’s a promising indication of progress.

Watch This Story: O.J. Simpson Had a Heart Attack, the 76-Year-Old Birthday Man Reveals the Truth.