O.J. Simpson had it all -- in 1968 he was famous for winning the Heisman Trophy*, for his college football records at USC and his prowess as a professional football player for the Buffalo Bills. After football he was successful with an acting career, TV commentator and as a commercial spokesman for several companies.
But unfortunately that all came to an end in 1994. Today he is infamous for the Nicole Brown Simpson murder trial and even though he was acquitted, his reputation was forever tarnished with all endorsements/jobs disappearing.
He is no longer a hero, but his life fascinates many as we try to understand the depths to which this former good guy has sunk and the numerous legal entanglements in which he becomes entwined over and over again.
Heritage Auction Galleries puts it best in a May 2007 auction description, which reads in part: "While the Hall of Fame running back is persona non grata throughout most of the sporting world following the horrific double-murder of his ex-wife and her friend, one can't help but assume that future generations will find Simpson to be one of the most fascinating 20th century sports figures."
When asked about the current market for Simpson memorabilia, Chris Ivy, director of Sports Auctions for Heritage Auction Galleries, said "Simpson is kind of an odd duck. At first he was a famous athlete, now he is more known for being notorious and his celebrity status. No other sports figures have been accused of the types of things Simpson has."
Ivy also states "There is no question that his memorabilia and autographs have taken a hit from what they once were.
In the early 1990s a signed O.J. Simpson football would sell for $250, today a typical price is $100. At the same time an autographed photograph would sell for $100, not today."
"Another comparison would be a Simpson jersey, a jersey from an athlete of his caliber should be selling for $6,000 to $10,000. In the last 24 months Heritage Auction Galleries has sold Simpson jerseys in the $1500 - $3500. range. His stuff is out there, collectors are just not interested in it."
What will his memorabilia be worth in the future? With all the legal problems and the prolific amount of autographed memorabilia, it's hard to tell. At this point in time we are too close to the events to be able to look at O.J. Simpson memorabilia objectively. Years from now it will be another story and people will look at the memorabilia with different views than we have today.
Recent Prices Include:
- An autographed O.J. Simpson full size replica Throwback helmet -- $153.51
(Sold Sept. 13, 2007 eBay) - An autographed throwback style Buffalo Bills Jersey sold on Sept 3, 2007 for $152. with a similar jersey selling for $103. on September 17 on eBay.
- Signed authentic-style Simpson USC Trojans Jersey -- $137.50
(sold Sept 10, 2007 on eBay) - 1970 OJ Simpson Rookie Card, PSA8 -- $102.
(sold Sept 16, 2007 on eBay) - 1978 Game Worn Jersey and Cleats had a high bid of $1912.(photo shown)
(sold May 2007 by Heritage Auction Galleries) - 1973 Simpson game worn jersey from his record-setting season realized for $3,585.
(sold May 2007 by Heritage Auction Galleries) - USC Autographed Track Photo -- $19.95
(sold Sept. 2007 on eBay)