It is the dawn of a new era for the Buffalo Bills as they shift stadiums for just the second time in franchise history. After the historic Orchard Park facility, affectionately known to generations of fans as “The Ralph,” served as their home field for over half a century, the team has officially made the move across the street into the brand-new, state-of-the-art Highmark Stadium.
Beginning with the 2026 season, the team is embracing a fresh start while also honouring the legends of the past. One notable exception, though, is one of the greatest players in franchise history, O.J. Simpson.
O.J. Simpson Snubbed by the Buffalo Bills
The Wall of Fame was an integral part of the previous Bills stadium. Honoring some of the best players to suit up for the organization, the list included over 25 names. The new Highmark Stadium is also getting a similar treatment.
The venue, which cost just over $2.1 billion, is also honoring some of the franchise’s greats. However, not included on that list is the first member of the original Wall of Fame.
While names like Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Jim Kelly, and founding owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. are already adorning the wall, Simpson isn’t included in the list. As one of the greatest running backs of all-time with five All-Pro selections and an MVP to his credit, it was an eye-opening omission from the Bills.
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However, Simpson is also one of the most controversial figures in league history. Simpson was acquitted of the murders in 1995 but was found liable for wrongful death in a 1997 civil suit and ordered to pay $33.5 million.
As a result, it wasn’t hard to see why Buffalo would want to stay as far apart from that situation as possible. But Cam Newton did not see it that way. The former MVP didn’t take too kindly to the franchise’s actions.
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Speaking on his podcast, he went ballistic on the team, claiming, “Sounds like the Buffalo Bills trying to erase his legacy. Couple of years from now, somebody’s gonna say, ‘OJ? Who is that mommy?’ You have to consider the thought. You meant to tell me, everybody in the Hall of Fame is lily white and a stewardess of the cloth?”
For Newton, that double standard was impossible to look past. “As if to say that it ain’t no bad folks in the Hall. Drug addicts, schemers, finessers, juggers.” Putting together the defense for Simpson, the Carolina Panthers legend offered a direct rebuttal.
“Now, I know OJ didn’t have the most pristine resume as a human. But brother, he was not found guilty. Now, he did go to jail on separate charges. But at the end of the day, there are a lot of people in the Pro Football Hall of Fame that also went to jail.”
The other charge Newton is referring to occurred in 2007, when he was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping, before being imprisoned in 2008. “And it’s making it extremely kind of questionable that it’s certain rules for certain people.”
Continuing on that thought, Newton added, “But understand this, Buffalo, we are about to see how not just y’all, but other organizations are going to handle other people and situations. Cuz what’s the merit?”
While the Bills decided in Simpson’s case, it has opened a can of worms for virtually every other player in league history. As Newton argued, there isn’t a set of criteria for what is valid and what is invalid when it comes to such recognition.
As a result, without a set standard, it could cause friction and backlash if they don’t enforce the rules on everyone across the board.
