OJ was one of the first black athletes to land a major corporate sponsorship deal. His commercial where he ran through the airport to rent a Hertz was iconic … so was his commercial for Dingo Boots.
Simpson was the perfect pitchman in the ’70s and ’80s. Those who knew him thought he turned his back on the black community. That said, Simpson thought mixing race relations and sports was persona non grata. He wanted to win the Heisman Trophy and be regarded as the best running back to ever live. The former Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers great nearly accomplished it. Kaepernick may never play in the NFL again or get corporate sponsorship. Fulfilling his football dreams and making millions were more important to OJ than standing up for his people or the advancement of the collective. Let that sink in.
