O.J. Simpson, the iconic NFL player and actor, made a name for himself not only on the football field but also as a celebrity spokesperson for major brands. Before his arrest and high-profile murder trial, Simpson was the face of Hertz rental cars, General Motors, and TreeSweet orange juice, among others, boosting his income significantly during and after his NFL career. Simpson’s first endorsement deal came in 1970 with General Motors, earning him $250,000 to appear in Chevrolet commercials even before playing a single NFL game.
In 1974, Simpson signed on as the chief spokesperson for Hertz Corporation in a $12.6 million advertising campaign. His portrayal as the “Superstar in Rent-a-Car” was a massive success for Hertz, with net profits increasing by 47% in 1976 following the debut of the ad campaign. Simpson’s popularity and marketability led to additional endorsement deals with brands such as TreeSweet orange juice, Napa Naturals sports drinks, Schick razors, and Wilson Athletic Gear. By 1992, Simpson had amassed a net worth of $10 million and was earning about $1 million per year, with a significant portion of his income coming from endorsements.
Simpson’s success as a celebrity spokesperson was notable, with him revealing in 1989 that he made more money from advertising gigs than from football for most of his NFL career. His ability to secure lucrative endorsement deals set a new standard for athletes looking to capitalize on their fame beyond their professional sports careers. Despite his success in the advertising world, Simpson’s life took a dark turn when he was arrested in connection with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994.
The media spectacle that followed Simpson’s arrest and subsequent trial captivated the nation, with an estimated 150 million people watching the proceedings. Despite being found not guilty in the criminal trial, Simpson was later held liable for the deaths in a civil court and ordered to pay $33.5 million. His reputation never fully recovered from the scandal, with many viewing his later book, “If I Did It,” as a tacit confession to the crimes. Simpson’s fall from grace following the murder trial marked the end of his lucrative endorsement deals, with Hertz cutting ties with him after the tragic events. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Simpson’s impact on the world of celebrity endorsements and advertising remains significant.
