Iconic football star O.J. Simpson, known for his illustrious career and his involvement in the infamous "trial of the century," has passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Simpson's death was announced by his family on his official social media account, with his attorney later confirming the news to TMZ.

O.J. Simpson rose to fame and fortune through his achievements in football and acting, but his legacy was significantly overshadowed by the tragic events surrounding the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in June 1994. Although he was acquitted of the murder charges, Simpson was found liable for their deaths in a subsequent civil trial, which resulted in a staggering $33.5 million judgment against him.

The trial and subsequent media coverage captivated the nation, highlighting deep divisions on issues of race, gender, domestic abuse, celebrity justice, and police misconduct. The evidence presented during the trial seemed overwhelmingly against Simpson, with blood drops, bloody footprints, and a glove found at the crime scene. The infamous moment of Simpson struggling to fit the gloves onto his hands while in court became a defining image of the trial.

Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, Simpson's personal and professional life continued to unravel. In a separate incident in 2007, he led a group of men in an armed confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas, resulting in his conviction on charges of armed robbery and other felonies. He spent nine years in prison, maintaining his innocence and insisting that he was only seeking to retrieve stolen personal items.

Simpson's release on parole in October 2017 was met with mixed reactions, with ongoing public fascination and debate about whether he had truly faced consequences for the deaths of Brown and Goldman.

Throughout the years, Simpson remained a polarizing figure in society. In 2016, he became the subject of an FX miniseries and an ESPN documentary, both reigniting public interest and discussions surrounding his involvement in the murder trial.

The controversies surrounding Simpson extended to his post-trial endeavors. In 2006, his plan to release a book titled "If I Did It," in which he would offer a hypothetical account of the killings, was met with outrage and subsequently canceled. The Goldman family eventually gained control of the manuscript, renaming it "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer."

Simpson's football career was nothing short of remarkable. He played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, where he earned the nickname "The Juice" and achieved multiple accolades. Simpson won four NFL rushing titles, rushed for over 11,200 yards, scored 76 touchdowns, and participated in five Pro Bowls. His most significant achievement came in 1973, when he became the first running back to surpass the 2,000-yard rushing mark, solidifying his place in football history.

Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, O.J. Simpson grew up in government-subsidized housing projects. He attended the University of Southern California, where his talent on the football field propelled him to win the Heisman Trophy in 1968.

Simpson's personal life was marred by tragedy, including the loss of his infant son Aaren in a swimming pool accident in 1979. He had two children, Jason and Aaren, with his first wife, Marguerite Whitley. Simpson later married Nicole Brown in 1985, and they had two children, Justin and Sydney, before eventually divorcing in 1992.

While the nation mourns the passing of an NFL legend, O.J. Simpson remains a complex and controversial figure whose life and actions have left an indelible mark on American culture.