OJ Simpson Net Worth & Earnings (2024)
Lifestyle | Bio | Facts [UPDATED]

OJ Simpson Career Earnings By Year

Buffalo Bills – 1969

If you’re an OG football fan, then you’ll know his career boomed when he joined the Buffalo Bills in 1969. He was earning $650K a year when he was under the care of Ralph Wilson, the owner of the Buffalo Bills.

But… 

…did you know he started a career in acting before playing football professionally? 

Yes, you read that right!

He appeared in the American Medical Drama “Medical Center” in the early part of 1969 – marking his debut on television.

San Francisco 49ers – 1978 

Fast-forward to 1978, and he began playing for his hometown’s football team – San Francisco 49ers. He was reportedly earning an estimated salary of $733K while on the team. 

Unfortunately, he only played for two seasons. 

Pretty short-lived 49er experience there, huh, OJ?

While he was playing football, the athlete also appeared in several films and TV series…

Orenthal Productions – 1979 

In 1979, Simpson established Orenthal Productions, his own production company. His company produced the ever famous show “Goldie and the Boxer.” The TV series eventually led to two films starring Melissa Michaelsen. 

Television and Films – The 1980s

Simpson’s popularity didn’t only land him roles in both television and films but also gave him several endorsements in the 1980s. 

His most notable endorsements were with Chevrolet, Schick, Foster Grant, Royal Crown Cola, Treesweet Orange Juice, and Wilson Sporting Goods.

Besides that…

… he was also in films like “Back to the Beach” in 1987, “The Naked Gun” trilogy (1988-1994), and was even considered for a part in the renowned Arnold Schwarzenegger film “The Terminator.” 

He became a commentator for The NFL on NBC’s Monday Night Football – making the 1980’s the peak of Simpson’s media career.

Nicole Brown Simpson and lover Ron Goldman – The 1990s 

O.J. Simpson’s career started spiraling downward in the 1990s. 

His downfall started right after the sudden death of his then-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and a waiter named Ron Goldman.

He became the prime suspect in the murder, which later led to a publicized arrest in 1994. TV stations stopped coverage of the 1994 NBA Finals to show the athlete’s arrest while riding in a friend’s car. 

Right after his controversial arrest, the actor’s case became the talk of the town…

…well, more like the trial of the century.

Acquitted from the Murder Case – 1995 

Fortunately for him, he was acquitted from the murder case – meaning he was a free man –  as there was no concrete evidence against him. 

Liable for Damages – 1997 

Sadly, even though he was acquitted from the criminal case, he was held liable for damages.

The court ordered the former football player to pay the families a whopping $33.5 million. 

Juiced – The 2000s

Juiced – a hidden-camera prank by Simpson – started in 2006. He would pull pranks on different people and then tell them that they had been juiced. It was aired on a pay-per-view channel and later released on DVD.

In 2007, OJ’s life took a 360-degree turn as he was arrested for a robbery case in Las Vegas. He was sentenced to 33 years with a No-Parole rule for nine years. 

While in prison, he reportedly earned more than $600K from autographs. 

That’s turning a bad situation good, OJ!

Not bad making money during his more than eight years behind bars. 

Released from Prison – 2017 

He was released from prison in 2017, thanks to his chance for parole. He began enjoying his pension – after going back to his everyday life.

Good News for OJ…

… his $25K monthly pension is also off-limits to the families of Nicole Brown and the Goldman Family who have been following Simpson’s life since the trial.