By Emmanuel Morgan
The Aaron Hernandez narrative has captivated not just the sports community but a broader audience for over a decade. An NFL standout on one of football’s premier teams committed murder in 2013 while simultaneously pursuing fame and success on the gridiron.
Two years post his 2015 conviction, Hernandez took his own life in prison, leaving unanswered questions regarding his criminal behavior, speculation about his sexual orientation, and how he managed to conceal his illicit life while excelling in America’s favorite pastime.
Hernandez has inspired numerous books, true crime podcasts, and documentaries. However, his narrative is receiving a fresh perspective through Ryan Murphy’s new 10-part anthology series, “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” which debuted Tuesday on FX and Hulu. The creators are employing a strategy akin to that used in dramatizations of other famous scandals such as “The People v. O.J. Simpson” and “Impeachment,” which centered on former President Bill Clinton’s sexual misconduct. This time, they’re venturing into new territory: professional football.
Nina Jacobson, an executive producer of “American Sports Story,” mentioned that the team aimed to provide viewers with a “more subjective experience” rather than merely reiterating previously covered details.
“We strive, with all these shows, to find ways to immerse the audience in the experiences of the characters, seeing things from their perspective — not to justify anyone’s actions or words,” she explained, “but to offer a chance to view them through a different lens.”
With the inaugural episode now offered for viewing, here are the essential details regarding Aaron Hernandez’s football journey and murder case, alongside the television drama that will depict them.
How talented was Aaron Hernandez in football?
From 2007 to 2009, Hernandez played at the University of Florida, where he was part of a national championship-winning team. He earned recognition as the nation’s top tight end, sharing the field with quarterback Tim Tebow under head coach Urban Meyer’s leadership. (This team was featured later in the Netflix documentary series “Untold: Swamp Kings.”)
However, Hernandez faced challenges too. As a freshman at 17, a confrontation at a Florida bar led to a deferred prosecution deal for him. In 2007, a report stated that he was questioned by law enforcement in connection to a shooting injuring two men. He also received a suspension from the team in 2008 due to a positive marijuana test.
Despite his evident abilities, many NFL teams were wary of his conduct, causing them to overlook him. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Under the guidance of quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots were a significant presence in football, and staying close to his Connecticut roots was beneficial for Hernandez.
Hernandez emerged as a pivotal player, contributing to the Patriots’ Super Bowl run in 2012. That same year, team owner Robert Kraft signed Hernandez to a $40 million contract, which was unprecedented at that time.
What transpired in Hernandez’s murder case?
In 2013, Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder, accused of taking the life of Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player dating his fiancée’s sister. Lloyd’s remains were discovered in an industrial area near Hernandez’s residence, and authorities alleged that Hernandez was enraged by Lloyd’s associations with individuals he disliked at a bar.
The Patriots terminated Hernandez’s contract shortly after his arrest, and while he awaited trial, he faced additional murder charges related to a 2012 drive-by shooting that claimed the lives of two men in Boston.
Hernandez was found guilty of Lloyd’s murder in 2015 and sentenced to life behind bars, but he was acquitted of the later charges in 2017. Just a few days following his acquittal, prison authorities reported that Hernandez hanged himself using a bedsheet. He was later found to have a severe case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition prevalent among many football athletes.
In the aftermath of Hernandez’s passing, media reports included comments from a childhood friend, Dennis SanSoucie, who revealed a sexual relationship with Hernandez during their teenage years. Hernandez’s brother, Jonathan, stated that Aaron had disclosed his sexual orientation to their mother shortly before his death.
How was the FX series created?
It draws inspiration from “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.,” a 2018 podcast produced by The Boston Globe and Wondery. Jacobson and fellow executive producer Brad Simpson noted that they also referenced court documents and game footage to ensure the series remained true to reality. Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL player and current ESPN commentator, contributed to an episode, bringing valuable insights into locker-room culture.
Who is cast as Hernandez and his teammates?
While the “American Crime Story” franchise often features renowned actors in Emmy-recognized roles, a significant portion of the cast comprises lesser-known performers.
Hernandez is depicted by Josh Rivera, 29, recognized for his supporting roles in “West Side Story” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Simpson mentioned Rivera gained around 30 pounds for this portrayal.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are portrayed by Ross Jirgl and Laith Wallschleger, both former collegiate football players, while Tim Tebow is played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
