We’ve all heard of the OJ Simpson trial, but not many people know the inspiring origin story of OJ Simpson, the top running back in the National Football League during his time.
This inspiring story began when Orenthal James Simpson visited Eunice and Jimmy Simpson on July 9, 1947 in San Francisco. OJ grew up in poverty and spent his early days in a ghetto where food was always in short supply. As a result, OJ suffered from malnutrition and developed rickets. At the age of six, OJ’s legs became permanently bowed and her calf muscles suffered severe atrophy. She acquired the nickname ‘Pencil Legs’ at a young age.
Growing up, OJ found his inspirational football story through Cleveland Browns All-American running back Jim Brown. Brown was the best running back in the NFL at the time. But OJ was too poor to pay for tickets to see his idol in action every time Cleveland visited San Francisco. That never stopped his dream and goal of becoming a star player in the future.
During those games when Cleveland played San Francisco, OJ waited diligently outside the stadium until the maintenance crew opened the stadium gates late in the 4th quarter. He would then enter the stadium and soak up the final minutes of the game, dreaming of seeing his idol and also his own goals and inspiring story of him becoming a professional soccer player.
On one of these occasions at the age of thirteen, he finally achieved his dream of reuniting with his idol, Jim Brown. As the inspirational story progressed, he approached Brown and said, “Mr. Brown, I’m your biggest football fan!” Graciously, Brown thanked the young man and went his way. But OJ insisted on asking Brown for an autograph. When Brown signed the autograph, OJ told him that he had all the pictures of him on the wall and that he knew all of Brown’s football records. Brown was flattered and thanked his young charge again. Before leaving, OJ surprised Brown by saying, “Mr. Brown, one day I’m going to break all your records!”
OJ Simpson broke all but three of Jim Brown’s rushing records before injuries cut short his football career and his inspirational story. Goal setting is the strongest force for human motivation. Set yourself a goal and make it a reality.