Even in 2026, O.J. Simpson continues to be a polarizing figure, nearly 50 years after his NFL retirement and more than 30 years after his infamous murder trial. The former superstar running back was the first-ever 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history, helping him win the 1973 NFL MVP, while eventually becoming the inaugural inductee of the Buffalo Bills’ Wall of Fame at the old Highmark Stadium.
Now that the Bills have moved out of the old Highmark and into a new venue, the franchise has decided to omit his honor at the new stadium, bringing up conversations about whether the franchise was right to do so.
Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson Speaks on O.J. Simpson’s Exclusion
Former Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson discussed Simpson’s exclusion by the Bills during a segment on the “Nightcap” show with Shannon Sharpe and Joe Johnson.
“Innocent or not, you have to understand how those organizations think,” Ochocinco said. “‘Yeah, he played for our organization, but to us, he’s still a stain, and putting him in this new building, it ain’t happening, innocent or not.’ There are too many red flags. For those in the chat who might be Bills fans, I might say, ‘Well, Ocho tripping.’ No, I’m not tripping. I’m just thinking how they’re thinking.”
Johnson is right to put aside his own feelings and think logically from an organization’s perspective.
Whether Simpson was innocent or guilty, honoring him at their new stadium could bring back conversations that have previously brought on violence and division in the country.
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While some could see value in further discussion, there’s nothing significant that could be done now that could change the outcome of a case decided in 1995.
Johnson went on to say, “If it was me, I understand what he did for my franchise. He’d be up there if it was me. But hell, I don’t own the Bills, that ain’t my stadium. I know how they’re thinking, though. ‘Hell nahh, we ain’t putting him in our new (expletive).'”
Simpson is still viewed as one of the best running backs ever, having accumulated 11,236 rushing yards and 61 touchdowns, alongside being a four-time rushing champion during his 11 seasons with the Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
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Pete Guelli, Buffalo’s president of business operations, said, “We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle,” in an official statement.
The team seems to be moving beyond Simpson’s complicated legacy as they relocate into the new Highmark Stadium in 2026, which will open on Thursday, September 17, to host the Detroit Lions during week two of the NFL season.
