OJ Simpson’s name is forever etched into the annals of American history, not just for his achievements on the football field but for one of the most publicized murder trials in U.S. history. From being one of the highest-paid athletes to owing millions in civil judgments, his financial journey reflects the rollercoaster that was his life. Let’s take a closer look at OJ Simpson’s net worth at the time of his death and how his fortune crumbled over the years.
What Was OJ Simpson’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
At the time of his passing in April 2024, OJ Simpson’s net worth was estimated at around $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure stands in stark contrast to the wealth he amassed during his prime. Despite his once-glamorous life, Simpson died owing over $114 million to the family of Ron Goldman, according to TIME magazine.
This staggering debt stemmed from a 1997 civil trial in which Simpson was found liable for the wrongful deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. A California jury awarded their families $33.5 million in damages. However, Simpson paid only a fraction of this amount, with interest driving the total to more than $114 million by the time of his death.
Following his passing, Simpson’s assets are expected to go through probate court, where his four children or intended heirs will likely face a long legal battle before receiving anything.
How Did OJ Simpson Earn and Lose His Fortune?
OJ Simpson, born on July 9, 1947, rose to fame as a football star at the University of Southern California (USC). Winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968, he became the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft, signing with the Buffalo Bills. By 1967, Simpson was demanding unprecedented contracts, securing $650,000 over five years, which was one of the largest deals in professional sports at the time.
After retiring from the NFL, Simpson transitioned to broadcasting, acting, and various endorsement deals, most notably with Hertz. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, his net worth was estimated to be around $10.8 million (roughly $18 million today). He owned a sprawling estate in Brentwood, Los Angeles, and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.
But Simpson’s world unraveled in 1994 when his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were murdered. Simpson became the prime suspect, leading to the infamous People v. O.J. Simpson trial. Although he was acquitted of criminal charges in 1995, a civil jury found him liable two years later, resulting in the massive judgment that haunted him for the rest of his life.
The Impact of Legal Troubles on Simpson’s Finances
In addition to the Goldman judgment, Simpson faced numerous other financial obligations. Following his divorce from Nicole Brown Simpson in 1992, he was ordered to pay $10,000 per month in child support and a one-time payment of $433,750 (equivalent to $730,000 today).
Despite legal troubles, Simpson managed to maintain some financial stability through his NFL pension, which was protected from civil judgments. Reports suggest Simpson collected around $10,656 per month from his pension, with estimates of the total value of his pension exceeding $5 million.
He also dabbled in online platforms like Cameo, where he charged fans $250 for personalized video messages, contributing to his modest income in his later years.
OJ Simpson’s Properties and Assets
During his football and entertainment careers, Simpson amassed significant real estate holdings. In 1977, he purchased his Brentwood estate for $650,000. At the height of his career, his properties and assets were valued at millions of dollars.
However, legal battles and mounting debt forced Simpson to downsize. By the time of his death, his remaining assets were a far cry from the extravagant lifestyle he once led. His Florida home, where he lived after serving nine years for armed robbery and kidnapping (unrelated to the murders), became one of his last significant assets.
Family and Personal Life
OJ Simpson’s personal life was as public as his career. He was married twice, first to Marguerite Whitley (1967-1979) and later to Nicole Brown Simpson (1985-1992). Simpson had five children, though one of his daughters, Aaren Simpson, tragically drowned at age two in 1979.
Simpson’s surviving children, Sydney and Justin Simpson, largely avoided the spotlight, though their lives were inevitably shaped by the legal battles and media attention surrounding their father.
How Did OJ Simpson Die?
OJ Simpson died on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76, after battling prostate cancer. His family released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming his peaceful passing surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Despite his legal and financial woes, Simpson’s family requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Final Thoughts – A Legacy of Triumph and Controversy
OJ Simpson’s life was a tale of dramatic highs and lows. From Heisman Trophy winner and NFL superstar to one of the most controversial figures in American legal history, his legacy remains complex and polarizing.
At his peak, Simpson enjoyed immense wealth, luxury, and fame. But by the time of his death, his net worth reflected the lasting impact of legal battles, public scrutiny, and personal tragedy. His story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift, even for those who seem untouchable.
Whether remembered for his athletic prowess or the courtroom drama that defined his later years, OJ Simpson’s life will continue to be dissected, debated, and remembered for generations to come.
