Why is O.J. Simpson called Juice? Explaining the nickname and its connection to Bills offensive line

Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced Thursday morning.

Simpson leaves behind a complicated legacy, one often defined more by his murder trial and acquittal in the 1990s than his stellar career on the football field. Simpson also spent more than nine years in prison after kidnapping and robbery convictions in 2008.

Before his 1994 arrest, however, Simpson was a widely beloved figure who made NFL history by becoming the first player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season in 1973. A Heisman Trophy winner at USC, Simpson later earned the nickname "Juice." The moniker followed him throughout the rest of his life, including his legal battles.

Here's what you need to know about Simpson's "Juice" nickname and its origin story.

MORE: O.J. Simpson dies at 76 after battle with prostate cancer

Why was O.J. Simpson nicknamed Juice?

Sometimes, a nickname fits in more ways than one. That was true for Orenthal James Simpson, whose "O.J." name sounded like the common acronym for orange juice. "Orange juice" wouldn't be a strong nickname for a football player, but "Juice" or "The Juice" is perfect.

There's much more to the story, however. The moniker gained popularity during Simpson's best years with the Bills because Buffalo's offensive line was nicknamed "The Electric Company" in the mid-1970s.

Whether the nickname for the Bills offensive line sprung from O.J. Simpson's nickname isn't entirely clear, but together the two nicknames — and Simpson's remarkable success on the field — helped each other become more prominent.

"Juice" was often used as slang for electricity, particularly during Simpson's era, and "The Electric Company" — Simpson's offensive line — helped turn "The Juice" loose by effectively blocking for the running back. 

"The Juice is loose" took on an entirely new meaning in 1994, when it was used to describe Simpson's evasion of police in an infamous car chase as he evaded police in the wake of first-degree murder charges filed against him. The phrase was used again when Simpson was released from prison as part of a separate case in 2017. 

While that might not be the way Simpson wanted to be remembered, he and the "Juice" nickname became inseparable on and off the field.

MORE: Revisiting O.J. Simpson's football career

Who was part of the Bills' Electric Company?

The Bills' mid-1970s offensive line was defined by five standout starters, as well as blocking tight end Paul Seymour. Together, the group paved the way for Simpson and Buffalo's electrifying rushing attack.