OJ Simpson 'could be the greatest running back ever' claims Skip Bayless in emotional tribute to the former NFL player after his death... as he calls him was the 'most charismatic athlete I ever knew'

Skip Bayless has paid tribute to OJ Simpson in the wake of the ex-football star's death, claiming he 'could be the greatest running back ever' and remembering him as the 'most charismatic athlete I ever knew.'

Simpson, who died Wednesday at 76 years old following a short battle with cancer, was an astounding talent in the NFL, earning six All-Pro selections en route to a Hall of Fame induction.

Of course, he was also found civilly liable for the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend, and Bayless cautioned fans 'not to discount anything that happened after [Simpson's playing career.]'

'He's the most charismatic athlete I ever knew and that includes Magic Johnson,' Bayless said on FS1's Undisputed. 'You could make the case he was the greatest running back ever, greatest college running back ever.

'His commercials were legendary. What a personality he was born with. Just electrifying. I don't want people to forget that he was something. In his day he was something. That is not to discount anything that happened after.'

OJ Simpson was an astounding talent in the NFL, earning six All-Pro selections in 11 seasons

Skip Bayless paid tribute to Simpson on Thursday after news of the ex-football star's death

Simpson became one of the most infamous figures in America during his criminal trial

In 1994 - 15 years after his last NFL appearance - Simpson was charged with murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.

He was later acquitted of the killings in what is perhaps the most well-known criminal trial in American history.

The trial came after a legendary NFL career, mostly spent with the Buffalo Bills, in which he led the league in rushing yards four times and racked up 61 rushing touchdowns.

His 11,236 rushing yards are the 21st-most in NFL history.

Simpson is seen in a mug shot following his arrest in Los Angeles, California in 1994

Simpson, who was reportedly undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer, passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.

An X post shared on his official account by his family said: 'On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.

'He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

'During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family.'