Social Media Reacts to O.J. Simpson’s Death at 76
After O.J. Simpson’s family announced the former NFL star’s death on Thursday, social media quickly reacted to the controversial figure’s passing.
The former running back for the Buffalo Bills died at 76 after a battle with prostate cancer. Simpson is still considered one of the greatest running backs in football’s history, but the controversy surrounding his acquittal over the 1995 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and Ron Goldman largely overshadowed his professional accomplishments.
Some first and foremost celebrated Simpson’s legendary career, which transcended the boundaries of football.
Damn. This one hurts. 2000 yards in a 14 game season... Never gonna be done again rip https://t.co/rcjT7KBTm7
— Nathan J Robinson (@jesuslasupajew) April 11, 2024
RIP to the Legend OJ Simpson pic.twitter.com/kytyilcteB
— RillaPerry ???? (@Finalbossjimmy) April 11, 2024
RIP to Heisman Trophy winner and USC LEGEND OJ Simpson “The Juice”
(1947-2024) 76yo
My heart goes out to his family and friends?? pic.twitter.com/oyPmvXs1W1— Trojan Football ??fan (@TrojanFBx) April 11, 2024
RIP OJ “the Juice” Simpson …
USC Legend pic.twitter.com/OKKw8E7Onj— Jake ?? (@J_Moose7) April 11, 2024
RIP Juice. Damn man pic.twitter.com/pMsNYrdG6b
— 1 OF NONE VILLAIN ?? (@in_da_grass) April 11, 2024
Damn, OJ Simpson died at 76 after losing his fight to cancer.
RIP Juice. A real legend pic.twitter.com/BHTkpaKXEt— Joe (@Necro_304Mav) April 11, 2024
Damn man Juice passed away? RIP OJ Simpson, rushed for 2k yards in only 14 games. Legend. pic.twitter.com/eNYjjAyTWs
— Grandmaster of the Irish Exit (@CLONEKID_) April 11, 2024
But for others, Simpson’s complicated life was unavoidable, and veneration of his legacy in light of Brown and Goldman's murders was distasteful. There were even a few high-profile names that came out against Simpson on Thursday.
Caitlyn Jenner--the former spouse of Kris Jenner, who was married to Simpson's attorney, Robert Kardashian, at the time of the murder trial--offered a blunt, two-word response to the former athlete's demise. Meanwhile, Fred Goldman, father of Ron Goldman, offered a somber response.
Good Riddance #OJSimpson
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) April 11, 2024
Damn RIP Oj Simpson. I hope they use a white bronco instead of a hearse.
— Alex Engelbert (@Alex_Engelbert) April 11, 2024
damn rip OJ simpson, he really had that killer mindset
— Brady (@MoeJazulla) April 11, 2024
Damn RIP O.J Simpson
God when O.J gets to the gate. pic.twitter.com/21GykGzhnF— alex (@FlyingArmbar35) April 11, 2024
On the other hand, some rushed to the former running back’s defense, saying that today was not the day to reopen past issues.
This meme going around saying OJ trying to get in heaven is cold blooded. Let that man rest in peace. Damn RIP. pic.twitter.com/yG5mBiITZu
— SheLovesThee (@SheLoves_THEE) April 11, 2024
