Former Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson mingles with fans at the Big Tree Inn in Orchard Park before the start of the Bills-Dolphins game on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
BUFFALO, New York — Michael R. Militello was getting ready for a morning workout at an Amherst gym on Thursday when he learned about the death of his longtime friend, O.J. Simpson.
O.J. Simpson, Michael Militello and Nicole Brown Simpson attend a 1978 party celebrating the history of Mulligan’s Cafe & Nightclub, a bar Militello owned in Buffalo.
Seventh graders from Buffalo's School 44 crowd around O.J. Simpson during a field trip to Rich Stadium in 1974. "The Juice saw the youngsters and invited them down on the field for a visit."
1977: "This was the scene outside O.J. Simpson's Amherst home as the Bills' ace running back bid farewell to his coach, Lou Saban, figuring his request to be traded to a West Coast team would be accomplished. Positions switched later. O.J. returned to the Bills and it was Saban who left after resigning as coach."
Here are photos of O.J. Simpson through the years – mostly from his time spent in Buffalo when he played for the Bills.
O.J. Simpson on the day he was inducted onto the Bills' Wall of Fame. His arm is around his son Jason.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson is greeted by a Bills fan as he arrives to the stadium.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson arrives at Mercy Hospital for knee surgery.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson during his days with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo News file photo
Bills running back O.J. Simpson breaks the 2,000-yard single season mark on Dec. 16, 1973, against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson is helped off the field in 1970 by A.J. Cowlings.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson during his days with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson with broadcaster Howard Cosell.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson poses for the camera.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson during his days with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson on the Buffalo Bills sideline during a game.
Buffalo News file photo
Bills running back O.J. Simpson breaks the 2,000-yard single season mark on Dec. 16, 1973, against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson, Michael Militello, Nicole Brown at Mulligan's nightclub. On the far right are actors John Schuck and Elliot Gould.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
From left, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, running back O.J. Simpson and coach Lou Saban.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson with his parents on the day his name was put on the Bills Wall of Fame.
By Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher, Buffalo News
The moving crew, from left, Danny Gare, Al Cowlings, O.J. Simpson, Reggie McKenzie, Bobby Chandler.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson behind the wheel waves to teammates as he prepares to move to San Francisco.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson signs autographs.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson dances at Mulligan's nightclub in the 1970s.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson dances at Mulligan's nightclub in the 1970s.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
O.J. Simpson with his family, Arnelle, Marguerite and Jason.
Photo by Mickey H. Osterreicher
A 1977 photo of O.J. Simpson with former Buffalo nightclub owner Michael Militello.
Buffalo News file photo
Seventh graders from Buffalo's School 44 crowd around O.J. Simpson during a field trip to Rich Stadium in 1974. "The Juice saw the youngsters and invited them down on the field for a visit."
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson during an interview on March 12, 2018, at his home in Las Vegas.
Buffalo News file photo
Before he became infamous, O.J. Simpson dazzled fans and befuddled defenses as a running back for the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo News file photo
O.J. Simpson was drafted No. 1 overall in 1969 by the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo News file photo
Cookie Gilchrist with Bills coach Lou Saban and O.J. Simpson in the early 1970s.
Photo from the Gilchrist family
An undated file photo of Bills running back O.J. Simpson.
Buffalo News file photo
1977: "This was the scene outside O.J. Simpson's Amherst home as the Bills' ace running back bid farewell to his coach, Lou Saban, figuring his request to be traded to a West Coast team would be accomplished. Positions switched later. O.J. returned to the Bills and it was Saban who left after resigning as coach."
O.J. Simpson, Michael Militello and Nicole Brown Simpson attend a 1978 party celebrating the history of Mulligan’s Cafe & Nightclub, a bar Militello owned in Buffalo.