After 42 years, the Buffalo Bills are allowing a player to wear number 32, which was last worn by O.J. Simpson in 1977. The team never officially retired the Hall of Famer's number, which was surprising to Senorise Perry, who is excited to wear Simpson's number.
"I thought it was retired, but then I was told it was available. Boom, I took it, "he told the Athletic.
Despite not yet being alive when Simpson was running over defenses in the NFL, Perry understands what it means to wear 32 on his back.
"I know the situation. I know that greatness comes with that number, playing in Buffalo. But I'm willing to take anything that comes my way," he said. "I'm going into my sixth year, and I know what it takes to get in this league and stay here. With that number on my back, I know I'm doing well for my family."
Simpson told the Athletic that he doesn't mind the Bills handing out his old number.
"Whatever they do is fine with me," he said. "That's how I feel. When I played there, I tried to honor the team. Since I left, I always tried to honor the Bills. And, to be honest, it's not something I think about. There's too much else going on in life."
During nine seasons with the Bills, Simpson rushed for 10,183 yards and 57 touchdowns. He was a five-time All-Pro running back and won the 1973 NFL MVP award.
Simpson was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985, but his life began to fall apart after he was accused of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. He was ultimately acquitted for their murders but was found liable in civil court.
In 2008, he was sentenced to prison in Nevada for armed robbery and kidnapping. He was released on parole in 2017.
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