What is Al Cowlings’ Net Worth?
Al Cowlings, a former NFL linebacker, has a net worth of $250 thousand. However, he is most famously known for his role in assisting his friend O.J. Simpson flee the police after the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
Cowlings drove the 1993 Ford Bronco involved in the low-speed chase, which was followed by helicopters and broadcast on televisions across America. Contrary to popular belief, the Bronco belonged to Cowlings himself, as he had purchased an identical model after Simpson bought one.
Cowlings later claimed that he was forced to drive Simpson during the chase, as Simpson had threatened to commit suicide unless he drove him home.
Early Life and Football Career
Allen Cedric “A.C.” Cowlings was born in San Francisco, California in 1947. He grew up in the Potrero Hill neighborhood and attended Galileo High School where he played football with O.J. Simpson. The two became friends and continued playing football together at City College of San Francisco.
After college, Cowlings played for the University of Southern California’s defensive line, nicknamed “The Wild Bunch.” They helped the Trojans go undefeated during his senior year.
Al Cowlings’ NFL Career Summary
In the 1970 NFL Draft, Al Cowlings was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round with the fifth overall pick. He played as a starter for three years before getting traded to the Houston Oilers. Cowlings played all games for the Oilers in 1973 and 1974 and only five games for the Rams in the following year. He was then picked up by the Seattle Seahawks after being released by the Rams. Cowlings returned to the Rams in 1977 before signing on with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League for the 1978 season. He attempted an NFL comeback with the San Francisco 49ers in 1979 before retiring from football.
Al Cowlings’ Involvement in O.J. Simpson’s Infamous Chase
In 1994, O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were found murdered at her home. Al Cowlings, Simpson’s close friend, claimed that he was forced to drive O.J. home after he threatened to commit suicide if Cowlings didn’t comply.
The two got into Cowlings’ 1993 Ford Bronco and led police on a low-speed chase that was followed by helicopters and broadcasted on news channels across America. Cowlings was arrested for aiding O.J. Simpson but had charges dropped due to a lack of evidence.
OJ Simpson’s infamous Bronco chase car owned by Al Cowling’s former agent
Al Cowling’s Bronco, not OJ’s version of the same model, that led police on the infamous low-speed chase through Los Angeles. The chase was broadcast live around the world, making the car a national symbol. Simpson’s former agent, Mike Gilbert, purchased Cowling’s car for $75 thousand, and it’s been out of the public eye for the most part, only resurfacing in the past few years in Alcatraz East Museum in Tennessee.
The car’s current Kelley Blue Book value is $23,000, but in 2018, Gilbert revealed he was looking to sell the car for $1 million. He’s said he’s fielded offers as high as $500,000 for the Bronco but was hoping to sell the car so he can give the money to his kids. As of this writing, he appears to still be the owner.
Al Cowlings’ Career and Honors
Al Cowlings briefly pursued acting, appearing in the 1985 film “Bubba Until It Hurts” and playing a minor role in HBO’s “1st & Ten.” He also served as a technical football advisor for the football scenes in the film “The Last Boy Scout.”
Cowlings was inducted into USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009, along with Junior Seau, John Robinson, and Rodney Peete. The USC Cowlings Residential College is named after him.
In 2018, O.J. Simpson claimed that he and former teammates, including Cowlings, may be suffering from CTE.
