There is a first, full of glory and competitive exploits, in the history of OJ Simpsonthe cursed champion of a violent and no-holds-barred football that no longer exists. Everything is known about his criminal affairs, his unforgivable actions. But there was a time, now distant, where an African American player broke unthinkable records with the ball under his arm, crossing the opposing lines without hesitation, with courage and a unique talent, moving his legs and hips to unbalance the defenders who they hunted like a prey not to be missed. Without being able to catch it or even stem it.
OJ Simpson was an absolute champion of American football in an era in which there was absolutely no subtlety and every blow was allowed. Nothing to do with the current rules which try, rightly, to mitigate the heaviness of a discipline where strength, courage and strategy constitute a unique mix in sport.
On the day of his passing many, recalling his post-career life, are calling for the bust of “The Juice” to be removed from the Hall of Famethe home of football athlete glory.
But the official page of that sporting institution itself remembers Simpson for his sporting exploits and makes it clear that it will not follow up on those requests that are currently filling the web comment pages: “OJ Simpson was the first player to reach a goal that many thought couldn’t be achieved in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” he said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“His on-field athletic contributions will be preserved in the Hall archives in Canton, Ohio.”he wrote on the Hall of Fame’s official page.
THE STORY/That ball with his signature
It happened 51 years ago. It was a freezing day on December 16, 1973a New York but not for the football spectators who flocked to the venue Shea Stadium to see that boy with magic in his unstoppable race.
That evening OJ surpassed two thousand rushing yards, 2003 to be preciseand absolute primacy in the regular season of National football league.
Il running back of the Buffalo Bills he reached the highest point of his career and even the result took second place, which in any case was a victory for his team New York Jets per 9-5.
Simpson would spend almost his entire career with the Bills, not a top team at the time, and would earn numerous personal accolades without ever winning a Super Bowl.
Later the two thousand yard wall will be overcome by other running backs but no one will do it in just 14 games like the Bills’ number 32 did. And the greatness of his competitive feat is contained in these two numbers: 2000 and 14. Unique qualities in the field, perhaps the only place where his demons failed to plunge him into the abyss of his existence.
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– 2024-04-20 10:59:47
