Remembering Some Of The So Many Memories, Regarding O.J. Simpson

There are so many memories, (most fond), opinions, feelings and “ways to go,” in remembering the great running back, Orenthal “O.J.” Simpson, who died days back at the age of 76.

We all have opinions and I rate Jim Brown the greatest of all running backs and Mr. Simpson second. Again an opinion, mine being O.J. as the best college runner with Tony Dorsett second.

I interviewed Mr. Simpson in 1991 and he was so gracious, getting a big kick in remembering a crossing pattern TD, (recalling Lou Holtz then the opposing coach making a “football mistake” –another opinion: Holtz is chock full of mistakes–) that I actually called/play by played well and later post the events of June 1994, in which two people died and a circus, Tony Randall and I were two of the very low number that followed none of it, ensued– played for my mother, a non sports fan, whose ears “perked upon” upon listening.

His 64 yard touchdown run vs UCLA that more than any play, yielded O.J.’s USC the ’67 mythical crown and his 80 yard TD run (Curt Gowdy’s “look out he runs the “100” in 9.5 or was it 9.3,” it was 9.4, I type a week later) in defeat to my then Ohio State, in the ’68 season Rose Bowl, are indelibly etched memories.

More than once I think fondly back to “look out” in reference to O.J.’s 1/1/69 80 yard run, referenced above, today with O.J. a different “gone” the feeling is more intense. Greatness is greatness and both Simpson’s run and Gowdy’s call were that.

An “O.J.” peak in ’73, one I was not thrilled with as Jim, not O.J. , was my favorite, when in the December 16th, Shea Stadium snow, Simpson not only broke Brown’s 1,863 yards season rushing record, but also went over 2,000 yards, amassing 2,003.

There is so much more, this not the place even the time. Orenthal James Simpson was ubiquitous and few sights in sports, which by the way is not really important, were/are as beautiful than watching him run.

Orenthal “O.J.” Simpson, pictured above.