The Buffalo Bills have decided to leave O.J. Simpson and his controversial history behind as they transition to a new stadium this season. Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli announced on Saturday that Simpson’s name will not be featured at the Bills’ new facility.
Simpson, a former Hall of Fame running back, had his name displayed on the Wall of Fame inside the Bills’ old stadium. However, Guelli confirmed there will be no such recognition in their new home, situated across the street from the former location. Guelli stated, “We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and Family Circle.”
Instead of replicating the Wall of Fame, the Bills plan to celebrate their history by showcasing past great players in an area known as the “Family Circle.” This gathering space will not include Simpson’s name.
During his nine-year career with the Bills in the 1970s, Simpson set multiple team rushing records and was the first NFL player to exceed 2,000 yards in a single season. However, his reputation deteriorated following accusations of murdering his former wife and her male friend in 1994. Though he was acquitted of murder, a civil court found him liable for their deaths. He later served nine years in prison for unrelated charges.
Simpson, who passed away from prostate cancer in April 2024, was 76 years old at the time of his death. The Bills had already distanced themselves from Simpson during Ralph Wilson’s ownership, a stance that continued under Terry and Kim Pegula after they acquired the franchise in 2014.
Though Simpson occasionally attended home games in Buffalo through personal connections, the team never formally acknowledged his presence. As the Bills’ former home, Highmark Stadium, undergoes demolition, the new $2.1 billion facility, also named Highmark Stadium, has officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last week.
AP NFL: apnews.com/hub/nfl
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