The University of Southern California has maintained a complicated relationship with O.J. Simpson despite his tremendous impact on the school’s football program. While Simpson’s Heisman Trophy and jersey are still honored by USC, the school did not publicly acknowledge his death following his passing from prostate cancer at the age of 76. Current USC coach Lincoln Riley offered condolences to Simpson’s family during a media availability, highlighting the disconnect between the university and one of its most accomplished athletes.
Simpson’s life took a tragic turn in the 1990s when he was charged with killing his former wife and her friend, leading to a public disassociation from the sports and entertainment worlds. Before this, Simpson was viewed as a symbol of the American dream, rising from humble beginnings in San Francisco to become a star football player at USC and later in the NFL. Despite his success on the field, Simpson’s reputation was tarnished by the murder trial and subsequent legal troubles, making it difficult for many to remember his pre-scandal contributions to football and Hollywood.
During his time at USC, Simpson set records as a dominant running back, leading the Trojans to two Rose Bowl appearances and earning admiration for his athletic prowess. Despite his accomplishments, Simpson’s post-football life was marred by controversy, including being found liable for the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend in a civil trial. Attempts to rehabilitate his image failed, and Simpson remained estranged from USC until an ill-fated visit to the school’s practice in 2002, which drew criticism from the public and the media.
In the years following the murder trial and his subsequent incarceration for armed robbery, Simpson’s image and connection with USC continued to deteriorate. His death did not change the feelings of many of his former teammates and friends, some of whom declined to comment on his passing. A statement made by Simpson himself three years ago illustrated his uneasiness with being in Los Angeles, suggesting lingering feelings of suspicion and uncertainty surrounding the events that changed the course of his life. Despite the controversies and public condemnation, O.J. Simpson’s legacy as a once-revered athlete and actor remains a complex and unresolved part of USC’s history.
