Controversial figure O.J. Simpson was a prolific athlete, and sports outlets continue to struggle with how to note his recent passing.
Simpson, a renowned running back who passed away at 76, had an illustrious 11-season NFL career, leading the league in rushing four times and entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
O.J.’s achievements on the field were later overshadowed by his controversial acquittal in the murder trial of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman.
The trial that shattered his image as a beloved former football star accounts for the uncomfortable sports coverage of his death, or in some cases, a complete lack of mention.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Pays a Stoic Tribute to Simpson’s Passing
For instance, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released a detailed statement on Thursday regarding O.J. Simpson’s passing. However, they carefully distinguished his off-field actions from his achievements. The organization chose to honor the legacy of the former Bills running back solely for his contributions to the game.
The Hall of Fame released a boilerplate 500-word eulogy following the announcement of ex-NFL star Simpson’s death from cancer. They focused solely on his football career and stats without offering praise.
“O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” the Hall of Fame’s president Jim Porter said. “His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”
Meanwhile, the Heisman Trophy Trust adopted a slightly different tone in acknowledging the death of Simpson, expressing sorrow over his passing. “We extend our sympathy to his family,” the organization wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Other Sports Outlets Coverage of O.J. Simpson’s Death Struggle to Find the Right Tone
The NFL’s official website, known for its extensive tributes to past stars, including videos from its vast archive, covered Simpson’s death with a brief agency-written piece. It notably lacked retrospectives on his most memorable games or celebrated touchdowns.
When a former player passes away, NFL teams often pay tribute on social media. This is regardless of the player’s tenure with the franchise.
However, the Buffalo Bills, where Simpson spent the majority of his career and rose to prominence as one of America’s most famous people, chose not to recognize his passing on their social media platforms this Thursday.
Hours after Simpson’s death, the Bills’ X account posted a birthday message for former receiver Steve Tasker, without mentioning Simpson.
Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers and USC, Simpson’s other professional and college teams, did not acknowledge his death on their X accounts.