Buffalo Rumblinks, 4/13: The complicated legacy of O.J. Simpson

Plus, get to know the talented Chop Robinson, who could make a fine addition to Buffalo’s defensive line.

O.J. Simpson, the Hall of Fame running back who played for the Buffalo Bills from 1969 through 1977, passed away from cancer at the age of 76 earlier this week. He leaves behind a complicated legacy as both one of the greatest to ever play the game of football and one of the nation’s most controversial figures after being acquitted of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend. Ronald Goldman, in the “Trial of the Century.”

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by discussing Simpson’s complicated legacy.

The complicated legacy of O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson, who rushed for 11,236 yards in his decorated career with the Bills and San Francisco 49ers, was the first player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season during the 1973 campaign, winning NFL MVP honors that year. He led the league in rushing four times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

But off the field, Simpson is best known for being accused of and, ultimately, controversially acquitted of the killings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in 1994. Simpson was eventually found liable for their deaths in a civil court.

We remember the life and complicated legacy of Simpson, including hearing from his closest Buffalo friends and discussing whether he should remain in the Hall of Fame and on the Bills Wall of Fame.

• O.J. Simpson, former Bills star running back later acquitted of murder, dead at age 76 – Buffalo News
• O.J. Simpson passes away at age 76 – WGR 550
• OJ Simpson, former Buffalo Bills star acquitted of murder, dies at 76 – newyorkupstate.com
• O.J. Simpson dies of cancer at age 76, family says – ESPN
• O.J. Simpson, former Bills running back who was acquitted of double murder, dies at 76, family says | News 4 Buffalo
• O.J. Simpson saga will forever be tragic intersection of fame, wealth, race, TV and murder – The Athletic (subscription required)
• The complications, controversy and delicate balance of covering O.J. Simpson’s legacy – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Ryan O’Halloran: Lament O.J. Simpson’s off-field behavior, but don’t forget on-field career – Buffalo News
• O.J. Simpson’s bust will likely remain in the Hall of Fame, no matter how it feels – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Buffalo Bills remain silent on death of OJ Simpson, who is on team’s Wall of Fame – newyorkupstate.com
• Erik Brady: O.J. Simpson stole our fond memories of him – Buffalo News
• Simpson’s closest Buffalo friend recalls the good times and bad – Buffalo News
• Ten things to remember about O.J. Simpson – ESPN
• O.J. Simpson’s legacy rang loudest where his death created silence – Yahoo! Sports
• ‘Kind of surreal’: A look back at the life of O.J. Simpson – WKBW
• Reactions to the death of O.J. Simpson – Buffalo News
• Timeline: O.J. Simpson through the years – Buffalo News

Get to know DE Chop Robinson

Find out why talented defensive end Chop Robinson earned the nickname “pork chop” as a baby, and why the first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection could make a difference along Buffalo’s defensive line.

• Defensive end Chop Robinson ready for the NFL to learn his name – Buffalo News

Even more Bills News

Potential cornerbacks and running backs the Bills could go after in the NFL Draft and hear from Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins on how the trade of wide receiver Stefon Diggs was a “haymaker,” but that he still has faith the Bills “know what they’re doing.”

• NFL draft preview: Solid class of cornerbacks awaits – Buffalo News
• NFL draft preview: Bills should have Day 3 options at running back – Buffalo News
• Dion Dawkins: Stefon Diggs trade was ‘haymaker,’ but I know Bills ‘know what they’re doing’ – NFL.com

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