OJ Simpson’s surprisingly low net worth before cancer battle and death

OJ Simpson, a former American football player, sports commentator, and actor, who died April 11, 2024, was acquitted of criminal charges related to the murders of Ron Goldman and his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson in 1995.
While Simpson was acquitted of the murders, a civil lawsuit was brought against him and he was found liable for wrongful death. He was later directed to pay the Goldman family $33.5 million in damages as a result of the Ron Goldman civil case.
Over time, the total amount owed has now exceeded $40 million with the addition of interest. About $500,000 has been paid through the sale of different assets and memorabilia.
OJ Simpson had a net worth of 3 million before his death, per celebrity net worth.
After being drafted by the Bills, OJ requested a 5-year contract totaling $650,000. Adjusting for inflation, this figure is equivalent to approximately $4.5 million today. This contract set a new record as the largest in professional sports history at the time.
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Simpson achieved success as an actor, television producer, and commercial spokesman. Even while still active in the NFL, he began appearing in TV shows and movies.
His credits include roles in films like The Klansman and The Naked Gun series, as well as the miniseries Roots.
In the early 1980s, Simpson produced a series of TV movies. Beginning in the 1970s, he served as the commercial face of Hertz car rental company.
Notably, Simpson was considered for the lead role in The Terminator by director James Cameron in 1984, but the part ultimately went to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Simpson was not involved in the film.
In addition to his acting pursuits, Simpson worked as a commentator for Monday Night Football during its broadcast on ABC at the time.
All earnings Simpson received aside from his pension went directly toward the Goldman family to contribute to the settlement of the $33 million civil judgment against him.
As of now, he has paid around $500,000 of the damages owed, with a significant portion coming from the auction of his personal belongings in the 1990s.
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OJ was once very wealthy. This was evident during his divorce from Nicole in 1992 when the court required him to provide detailed information about his assets and income.
At that time, OJ was a sought-after actor and spokesperson, well before the tragic events that followed. In the court documents, he said his net worth was $10.8 million, equivalent to about $18 million in today’s terms.
Half of his net worth was tied to the value of his Brentwood estate, which he purchased for $650,000 in 1977 (approximately $2.5 million in 2016 dollars).
During his divorce settlement with Nicole, it was revealed that OJ’s monthly income in 1992 was $55,000.
The majority of this income stemmed from his endorsement deal with Hertz, which would be equivalent to $92,000 per month when adjusted for inflation, roughly totaling $1.1 million annually in today’s currency.