O.J. Simpson is one of only 14 players in the history of the National Football League draft to have gone from being the first overall pick of a draft to earning election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1969 - O.J. SIMPSON, RB, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (BUFFALO BILLS)

How the Bills landed the No. 1 pick:

Just two years after narrowly missing a trip to Super Bowl I, Buffalo had fallen to the bottom of the AFL and finished 1-12-1 in 1968. The club’s lone win came against the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Jets.

Scouting Simpson’s college career:

Simpson won the Heisman Trophy after leading the nation in rushing with 1,709 yards and 22 touchdowns during his senior year in 1968. His speed, strength and agility were unquestioned by pro scouts.

Rookie debut:

Although some observers thought Coach John Rauch underutilized the prized rookie, Simpson led the Bills in rushing, kickoffs and total yardage in 1969. He gained 697 yards on the ground; caught 30 passes for 343 yards and 3 TDs; and averaged 25.2 yards on 21 kickoffs. He scored on an eight-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Bills’ season-opening loss to the Jets.

NFL Career highlights:

Simpson became the first player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. He still owns the NFL record for most career 200-yard games with six. HOF Bio>>>