The Buffalo Bills have decided to exclude former running back O.J. Simpson from the historical displays at the franchise's new Highmark Stadium.

Team officials confirmed that while other former players will be recognized in a dedicated area outside the venue, Simpson will be excluded from the exhibits.

Pete Guelli, the Bills' president of business operations, announced the organizational decision in a statement, noting that the franchise determined Simpson is not a fit for display inside the new facility or its surrounding family circle.

The team plans to honor its history in a year-round gathering space outside the new stadium. The area will feature three bison statues and celebrate the team's history and Western New York. Members of the franchise's Wall of Fame are scheduled to be recognized in this space, making Simpson the likely sole omission from the group of honorees. Team designers had spent months preparing for multiple design possibilities while leadership debated whether to include his name.

Simpson was the first player inducted into the team's Wall of Fame when it was established in 1980. His name remained on display at the old stadium for decades, even as public debates persisted regarding his place in team history.

The Buffalo franchise selected Simpson with the first overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft. He spent nine seasons with the team from 1969 to 1977. During his tenure, he became the first running back in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, gaining 2,003 yards in 1973. He also earned five first-team All-Pro selections during his career and remains a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Simpson faced severe public scrutiny following the 1994 stabbing deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. He was charged with the murders, and his 1995 criminal trial became a major global news event. While a jury acquitted Simpson of the criminal charges, a civil court jury found him liable for the wrongful deaths two years later. The civil court ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Brown and Goldman families. Simpson maintained his innocence throughout his life.

Simpson died of cancer in April 2024 at age 76.