Al Cowlings Net Worth

What is Al Cowlings’ Net Worth? A Look at the Former NFL Star’s Wealth and Controversial Legacy

Al Cowlings, the name often intertwined with the high-profile O.J. Simpson case, is an American retired professional football player. But what is Al Cowlings’ net worth? While his NFL career showcased his athletic prowess, his post-football life has been heavily influenced by his close friendship with Simpson and his involvement in one of the most publicized legal dramas in American history. This article delves into Al Cowlings’ net worth, his life, and the events that have shaped his public image.

Early Life and Football Career

Allen Cedric “A.C.” Cowlings was born on June 16, 1947, in San Francisco, California. Raised in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, he exhibited early athletic promise, attending Galileo High School where he first crossed paths with O.J. Simpson. The two developed a close friendship that would last throughout their lives. Their shared passion for football led them both to City College of San Francisco, where they continued to play together, honing their skills and solidifying their bond.

Cowlings’ talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California. He became a key member of the defensive line, part of the formidable unit nicknamed “The Wild Bunch.” This team helped the Trojans achieve an undefeated season during his senior year, solidifying his reputation as a top college player and paving the way for his professional career.

NFL Career: From Bills’ Draft Pick to League Journeyman

In the 1970 NFL Draft, Al Cowlings’ potential was recognized as the Buffalo Bills selected him with the fifth overall pick in the first round. He started for the Bills for the first three years, demonstrating his capabilities as a linebacker. However, his NFL journey wasn’t confined to a single team. He was traded to the Houston Oilers, where he played all games in 1973 and 1974. A brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams followed, but after only five games, he was released and picked up by the Seattle Seahawks through the waiver wire. He later returned to the Rams in 1977 before concluding his professional football career with the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes in 1978 and a final, brief return to the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers in 1979.

The O.J. Simpson Trial: The Infamous Ford Bronco Chase

The name Al Cowlings is inextricably linked to the O.J. Simpson trial, one of the most sensational and widely covered legal cases in history. In June 1994, O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, were found murdered at Nicole’s home. Cowlings became entangled in the events that followed.

Cowlings drove the now-infamous white Ford Bronco, leading police on a low-speed chase across Los Angeles. He claimed he was forced to drive the car after Simpson threatened suicide. This dramatic event, broadcast live across the United States and around the world, cemented the white Bronco as a symbol of the Simpson saga. Cowlings was initially arrested for aiding Simpson, but charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence. The chase riveted the nation, making Cowlings a central figure in the unfolding drama.

The White Ford Bronco: A Symbol of the Simpson Saga

The white Ford Bronco driven by Al Cowlings during the chase became an iconic symbol of the O.J. Simpson trial. It was actually Cowlings’ vehicle, not Simpson’s, that was involved in the high-profile pursuit. The slow-speed chase, spanning approximately 60 miles through Los Angeles, was broadcast live on television, captivating millions and turning the Bronco into a national emblem of the case.

The vehicle’s post-chase fate is also noteworthy. Simpson’s former agent, Mike Gilbert, purchased the car for $75,000 shortly after the chase. It has since resurfaced periodically, including a display at the Alcatraz East Museum in Tennessee. The Bronco’s value has fluctuated significantly. While its Kelley Blue Book value peaked at $23,000, Gilbert reportedly sought as much as $1 million for the car in 2018, having received offers as high as $500,000. As of this writing, Gilbert still appears to be the owner.

John EMMONS /AFP

Personal Life and Legacy: Beyond the Gridiron

Al Cowlings’ life extends beyond the football field and the O.J. Simpson trial. He briefly ventured into acting, appearing in the 1985 film “Bubba Until It Hurts.” He also played a minor role as Coach Nabors in the HBO football sitcom “1st & Ten,” which also featured O.J. Simpson. Cowlings contributed as the technical football advisor for the football scenes in the 1991 film “The Last Boy Scout.”

His contributions to USC football were also acknowledged. Al Cowlings was inducted into USC’s 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame, alongside other notable athletes like Junior Seau, John Robinson, and Rodney Peete. In recognition of his achievements and his connection to the university, the USC Cowlings Residential College was named in his honor.

In 2018, O.J. Simpson stated that he may have CTE and noted that several of his former teammates and close friends, including Al Cowlings, also struggled with CTE symptoms. This information brings another layer of complexity to Cowlings’ life.

MIKE NELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Conclusion: Remembering Al Cowlings

Al Cowlings’ legacy is multifaceted. He was a talented football player who achieved success at the college and professional levels. However, his life is also inextricably linked to the O.J. Simpson trial. His involvement in the infamous Ford Bronco chase and the subsequent legal proceedings have forever shaped his public image. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Cowlings’ life remains a testament to the complexities of fame, friendship, and the enduring impact of a single, defining moment.