What Was OJ Simpson Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings?
O.J. Simpson, the famous American football player, is often remembered for his accomplishments on the field, but his net worth has seen dramatic shifts throughout his career. In his prime, Simpson earned significant amounts not only from his NFL career but also as a sports commentator and actor. At his peak, his net worth was estimated to be around $25 million. However, by the time of his 1992 divorce, court filings revealed his net worth had dropped to an estimated $10.8 million. Despite the legal battles, Simpson still lived a lavish lifestyle, notably owning a Brentwood estate worth $3.5 million, which he had bought in 1977 for just $650,000.
During his career, Simpson’s Hertz endorsement contract was one of his most lucrative deals, earning him millions over the years. At the height of his fame, he made $55,000 per month, which, adjusted for inflation, equates to about $125,000 per month today. His monthly income included payments from various endorsement deals, pension plans, and even income from rental property in San Francisco. However, things began to shift dramatically after his involvement in the 1995 murder trial, where Simpson was criminally not guilty of killing Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
Even though Simpson avoided conviction in the criminal trial, the civil court case saw Nicole’s family sue for $33.5 million in damages. By the late 1990s, his financial situation began to deteriorate rapidly. He had to sell assets such as memorabilia to cover expenses, and by 2007, his financial woes deepened when he was arrested for robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas.
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Simpson’s net worth was heavily drained, and by the time he was evicted from his Brentwood mansion in 1997, the home was in foreclosure. Simpson also lost a 6,200-square-foot house in Florida, and while the Florida state law protected his NFL pension, which was fully funded and worth up to $5 million, it wasn’t enough to prevent the ongoing bankruptcy.
After spending nine years in prison, Simpson’s wealth had been significantly reduced, and by the time of his release, the remaining pension income continued to be his only steady financial resource. In his later years, Simpson’s income from pensions and pension plans reportedly helped him earn $400,000 per year. He passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76, from cancer, with an estimated $3 million net worth left to his name, a stark contrast to the fortune he once had.
The Remaining Pieces of O.J. Simpson’s Financial Journey
After O.J. Simpson’s convicted criminal charges, the legal battles he faced took a toll on his financial situation. The Goldman family continued their fight for justice, suing Simpson for damages related to the death of Ronald Goldman. Despite being criminally not guilty of the murders, Simpson was ordered to pay substantial amounts in a civil court, including a $33.5 million judgment, which grew to over $65 million in interest and inflation over the years. With a significant portion of his assets tied up in legal fees, Simpson was forced to make a one-time payment of $433,750 and was unable to access his income from various sources.
In the years following, Simpson’s primary home was subject to foreclosure and eventually demolished, while his Florida residence became his primary address. Despite the financial challenges, his $500,000 settlement from the sale of some of his assets was a small win. The Goldman family had also pushed to prevent children from testifying in court, which ultimately affected Simpson’s public image. As his finances dwindled, Simpson was left with a modest $1 million in pension money, protected from creditors under state law.
In his later years, O.J. Simpson struggled to maintain his financial standing. By April 10, 2024, at the age of 76, Simpson passed away from cancer, leaving behind a complex financial legacy. Despite the turmoil of the past few decades, his $100 million debt remained a notable part of his financial story.
O.J. Simpson’s Rockingham Mansion Foreclosure
The Rockingham Mansion, located at 360 N. Rockingham in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, became an iconic symbol of O.J. Simpson’s financial decline. Purchased in 1977 for $650,000, this 6,200 square feet mansion featured luxurious amenities, including a tennis court, an Olympic-sized pool, and waterfalls. It was originally leased by celebrities like James Taylor and Carly Simon before O.J. and his wife Nicole bought it in 1985. However, in July 1997, the mansion faced foreclosure after Simpson failed to make $86,000 in mortgage payments.
The foreclosure auction took place in July 1997, with Hawthorne Savings as the lender. The final winning bid was $1.875 million, a considerable amount compared to the initial $650,000 purchase price, yet still leaving $100,000 owed. The public auction was completed in just a three-minute bidding frenzy, with the property ultimately being sold for $2,631,259, covering the remaining debt.
By July 1998, the Brentwood mansion was demolished to make way for a new mansion. The Rockingham estate was no longer the luxury home it once was, and tourists started visiting the location, marking its shift from a personal residence to a famous piece of history. As O.J.’s life continued to unravel, his financial struggles led to further foreclosures, including his Miami home in 2000 and a Nevada property in 2014. Despite these setbacks, Simpson remained in the public eye, with efforts to assert his innocence and maintain his public image.
3 Facts About O.J. Simpson’s Net Worth
- Pension Funds Provide Stable Income
O.J. Simpson’s pension investment account, which has been managed passively over decades, is valued between $2 million and $5 million today. These funds have grown steadily over time, offering Simpson a stable income of about $400,000 per year. What makes this income particularly secure is that it is protected from legal judgments and bankruptcy laws, meaning the Goldman family cannot access his pension money despite their civil judgment against him.
- Goldman Family Lawsuit and Continued Earnings
In the ’90s, Simpson faced a $33.5 million lawsuit from the Goldman family following the tragic death of Ronald Goldman. Despite the civil judgment, Simpson continued to generate income from various sources. He had a Screen Actor’s Guild pension from his film and TV appearances, and he reportedly made millions from auctions of personal items from the ’90s. Additionally, much of his wealth was hidden in offshore accounts, including in the Cayman Islands.
- Robbery Conviction and Impact on Finances
In 2008, Simpson’s finances took another hit when he was arrested in a robbery trial involving men at gunpoint. A secret recording device overheard his words, leading to his prison sentence. Following this, his assets were sold at auction to cover damages. Despite these financial setbacks and legal troubles, his pension funds continue to provide a consistent source of income, maintaining some level of financial security even after his time in prison.
Early Life
Orenthal James Simpson, known as O.J. Simpson, was born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a challenging environment with his mother, Eunice, who was a hospital administrator, and his father, Jimmy Lee Simpson, who worked as a chef and bank custodian. The family faced difficulties, including the separation of his parents in 1952. During his early teenage years, Simpson became involved with a street gang called The Persian Warriors. He was even sent to a juvenile detention center. However, his life took a positive turn when he found inspiration in Willie Mays, a famous baseball star, who motivated him to clean up his act and stay out of trouble.
Simpson went on to attend Galileo High School, where he graduated before moving on to community college. His football skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy during his junior year. His accomplishments in football continued into his senior year, setting the stage for his future success as an athlete.
NFL Career
In 1969, O.J. Simpson was selected as the number-one draft pick by the Buffalo Bills. At the time, he signed the largest contract in pro sports history, worth $650,000 over five years. However, this led to some tension and a standoff with Ralph Wilson, the owner of the Bills. Eventually, the two parties reached an agreement, and Simpson began his career in pro football. Despite a tough start with some struggles in his first three years, averaging only 622 yards per season, Simpson had a breakthrough in 1972 when he became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.
By 1973, Simpson achieved a remarkable feat: he became the first NFL player to rush for over two thousand yards in a single season, a record that remains legendary. In 1975, he claimed the rushing title with 1,817 yards and 16 touchdowns, marking the peak of his career. However, his 1977 season was cut short due to injury. In 1978, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for two more seasons before playing his final NFL game on December 16, 1979. His last play was a 10-yard run on a 3rd and 10, helping the 49ers secure a first down in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Simpson’s incredible career earned him six Pro Bowls and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2019, he was also named to the National Football League’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
NFL Earnings
When O.J. Simpson was drafted by the Bills in 1969, he signed a 5-year contract worth $650,000, which was a groundbreaking deal at the time. This made him the highest-paid player in professional sports history. Adjusting for inflation, his contract would be worth about $5.5 million today. Simpson’s NFL earnings continued to rise throughout his career. By the 1978 season, he had a league-leading salary of $733,668, and in his final NFL season in 1979, his salary increased to $806,668, equivalent to $3.5 million today.
At that time, the average NFL salary was just $69,000, with Walter Payton being the second-highest-paid player at $450,000. Simpson’s earnings reflected his status as the #1 highest-paid player in the NFL. These impressive figures highlight how much his NFL career contributed to his overall wealth, even though his final seasons were towards the tail end of his playing days.
O.J. Simpson’s Nickname
O.J. Simpson became widely known by his nickname, “The Juice,” which is a clever play on his initials and the term orange juice. The nickname also symbolized his electricity on the field, representing his powerful presence as a football player. During his career peak with the Bills, Simpson was an unstoppable force, and his speed and agility made him a synonym for energy and strength. His electrifying performances on the field even led to the creation of the term The Electric Company to describe the power of his plays.
Entertainment Career
After retiring from the NFL, O.J. Simpson made a successful transition to the world of entertainment. He became an actor, starring in several TV and film projects. One of his notable early roles was in The Towering Inferno (1974), followed by appearances in films like The Klansman and Capricorn One (1978). Simpson also gained fame for his comedic role as Detective Nordberg in the Naked Gun trilogy, which aired from 1988 to 1994. His career spanned both television and film, with significant roles in Roots (1977) and collaborations with directors like James Cameron in Terminator (1984), alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In addition to acting, Simpson worked as a commercial spokesman and even took on the role of an NFL commentator for Monday Night Football on ABC (1969-1977) and later NBC (1978-1982), further expanding his career in the entertainment industry. His presence in the media during the 1980s and early 1990s made him a household name, contributing to his overall net worth.
Endorsement Deals
Throughout his career, O.J. Simpson was a major figure in endorsement deals, earning significant income from partnerships with top brands. One of his most notable contracts was with Chevrolet, where he earned $250,000 per year promoting their products and services. Simpson also worked with companies like TreeSweet Orange Juice, Pioneer Chicken, HoneyBaked Ham, and Hertz, where he became the primary celebrity endorser in the mid-1970s. His iconic Hertz commercials, which featured him running through airports, made him a recognizable face in the NFL community and beyond, bringing in millions of dollars.
However, after the Brentwood murders and his arrest, Simpson’s endorsement contracts were downgraded. His once high-profile deals were significantly reduced, with his Hertz contract dropping to $45,000 per month. As the situation unfolded, Simpson’s involvement in golf outings and public events became less frequent. His endorsement deal with Hertz, which once helped elevate his fame, was eventually dropped following the Chicago plane incident. The public scandal affected his image, leading to a loss of lucrative deals that had contributed significantly to his net worth.
Personal Life
At the age of 19, Simpson married Marguerite Whitley, and together they had two children, Arnelle and Jason. However, their marriage ended in divorce in March 1979. Simpson then began dating Nicole Brown, a nightclub waitress, whom he married in February 1985. They had two children together, Sydney and Justin, but their relationship was marked by spousal abuse and tumult. Despite attempts at reconciliation in 1993, their marriage ultimately ended in a divorce in 1992. Tragically, in August 1979, Simpson’s youngest child, Aaren, drowned in the family’s swimming pool, which was a heartbreaking event for the family.
Simpson’s personal life has been just as turbulent as his career, with the pressures of fame and relationships often playing a large role. His marriage to Nicole became infamous due to the highly publicized legal battles and allegations of abuse, which overshadowed his achievements. Despite the challenges, Simpson’s family played a significant part in shaping his life during and after his career.
The murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman
In 1994, Simpson was charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ronald Goldman, who were stabbed to death outside her Brentwood condo on June 12, 1994. Simpson quickly became a person of interest in the case, but instead of turning himself in immediately, he became the subject of a low-speed chase with the police on June 17th. Simpson was in the passenger seat of a white Ford Bronco driven by his friend Al Cowlings, and the chase, which was broadcast live, interrupted the 1994 NBA finals. The chase was watched by an estimated 95 million viewers, marking a significant moment in television history.
The chase ended with Simpson’s arrest, leading to one of the most publicized trials in American history. After 11 months, on October 3, 1995, a jury returned a verdict of not guilty, watched by an estimated 100 million people. Despite the trial’s outcome, Simpson faced a civil trial in which he was convicted and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Goldman and Brown families. The case still had long-lasting financial implications for Simpson, as interest continued to accrue on the amount, with the total debt growing to $40 million over time.
Nevada Arrest and Conviction
In 2007, O.J. Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada for a shocking crime involving armed robbery. Simpson and his associates entered a hotel room where sports memorabilia dealers were present. The group confronted the dealers about stolen memorabilia, and during the confrontation, guns were drawn. The group reportedly demanded the items, leading to charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, coercion, and conspiracy.
On October 3, 2008, Simpson was found guilty of the charges and sentenced to 33 years in prison. The sentence included the possibility of parole after nine years. Simpson was released on parole in 2017 after a hearing where he testified about his actions, claiming that he was unaware that the group was breaking into the room and that he had no intention of threatening anyone. In a dramatic twist, Simpson’s group had even recorded the incident on a cellphone, with angry and aggressive language heard on the recording, such as “Don’t let nobody out of this room” and “Walk your a$$.”
Pension Money
At the age of 55, O.J. Simpson became eligible to start receiving his NFL pension, a significant source of income after his career. It’s believed that his monthly payments from the NFL pension began at $4,034, but they were set to increase at age 65, potentially reaching a larger amount of $10,565. By 2012, his total pension income was estimated at $400,000 per year, which helped him maintain a stable bank account during his prison time. While he was in prison, Simpson also had access to a fully funded personal pension, estimated to be between $2-$5 million, along with some investments and assets.
In addition to his NFL pension, O.J. Simpson was also a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild, providing him with an extra $1,700 monthly. Despite the legal battles, including the Goldman family’s legal judgment, his pension money was considered off-limits due to its protected status. However, Simpson’s ongoing pension payments have been part of the public discussion surrounding his net worth. Even though he faced bankruptcy, Simpson has managed to keep pension funds out of the reach of the Goldman family, who are still pursuing $96 million to $114 million in damages related to the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
Conclusion
O.J. Simpson’s net worth has been the subject of much attention over the years, influenced by his career as an NFL player, and actor, and later by his legal troubles. Despite his criminal acquittal in the infamous 1994 murders, his financial journey has been marked by fluctuating earnings, endorsement deals, and public struggles, including bankruptcy and legal judgments. Through it all, Simpson’s pension money has provided a stable income, with estimates ranging from $2-$5 million in personal assets and consistent NFL pension payments, which are off-limits to creditors due to legal protections.
While Simpson’s financial situation is complicated by his past, including the Nevada arrest and conviction in 2007, he has maintained a certain level of wealth. His pension income alone remains a key source of financial support, and despite the Goldman family’s continued legal battles, Simpson’s ability to manage his assets and investments highlights the complex relationship between his public persona and net worth. With these sources of income and his pension money secured, Simpson’s finances continue to attract attention, as estimates and judgments related to his assets evolve.
FAQs
What is OJ Simpson net worth?
OJ Simpson net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million, influenced by his NFL pension and investments, though exact figures vary due to ongoing legal battles and judgments.
How much is O.J. Simpson’s NFL pension worth?
O.J. Simpson is eligible for an NFL pension that provides monthly payments of around $10,565, totaling approximately $400,000 per year. These payments are considered off-limits to creditors due to legal protections.
What happened during the 2007 Nevada arrest of O.J. Simpson?
In 2007, O.J. Simpson was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas. He and his associates confronted sports memorabilia dealers in a hotel room, leading to a conviction and a sentence of 33 years in prison, though he was released on parole in 2017 after serving nine years.
What is the relationship between O.J. Simpson and the Goldman family?
The Goldman family is owed a legal judgment for the wrongful death of Ronald Goldman, which has led to ongoing efforts to claim Simpson’s assets, including part of his pension income and other holdings. He still owes millions, with estimates ranging from $96 million to $114 million.
How did O.J. Simpson’s career impact his wealth?
Simpson’s career as a professional NFL player and actor, especially through endorsement deals with brands like Chevrolet and Hertz, significantly contributed to his wealth. However, his involvement in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman and subsequent criminal trials have caused financial instability, including bankruptcy and legal judgments.
