The Buffalo Bills are just weeks away from moving to a new stadium, but won’t be taking one of the best — and most controversial — names of the franchise with them.
ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported that the team reached a decision on late running back O.J. Simpson, whose name was etched into the wall of fame on the old version of Highmark Stadium. There had been a movement among fans calling on the team to leave Simpson behind, and the team announced its final decision on Saturday.
Bills Ditching O.J. Simpson for New Stadium
In a short announcement released this weekend, Bills president of business operations Pete Guelli said it would not be a “fit” to display Simpson’s name at the new stadium.
“We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle,” Guelli said.
Simpson, who died in April 2024 after a battle with cancer, was the first member inducted to the team’s Wall of Fame when it opened in 1980. Simpson was one of the most popular former players, especially as he launched a Hollywood acting career, but quickly became a controversial point for the team after he was charged with the 1994 stabbing deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
Simpson was acquitted, but found liable in a wrongful death civil lawsuit two years later. Simpson would later serve time behind bars on robbery and kidnapping charges.
As Getzenberg noted, the team had already taken steps to distance itself from Simpson at the time of his death.
“Simpson passed away following a battle with cancer in April 2024,” Getzenberg wrote. “He was 76. At the time of his death, the Bills made a step towards distancing themselves by not releasing a statement or acknowledging his passing.”
Josh Allen Shares Light Criticism of New Stadium
While the Bills have been hyping up the move to the new stadium across the street from the now-closed home, quarterback Josh Allen offered some light criticism of the new design this week. Appearing on a podcast, Allen appeared to hint that he wished the team opted for a full dome rather than a partial roof.
“As long as there’s no wind, we’re good,” Allen said on the “Like a Farmer” podcast. “They claim that the way they design it, the way that the ‘roof’ and the perforated metal siding will dilute the wind so you’re not gonna feel too much of it.”
The team and owner Terry Pegula had faced some criticism from fans for not building a dome, leaving the team to still deal with the often treacherous Western New York weather.
The Bills quarterback had praised the new stadium in the past, saying he’s excited to move in and start playing in front of fans.
“This place has got grass, and it’s going to be pretty cool in there,” Allen said on Tuesday, via WIVB 4’s Gabriella Baiano. “I’ve been in there a few times, and I think the fans are going to be very pleased when we get that place rocking.”
Bills Make Announcement on Honoring Controversial Former Legend