Aaron Hernandez— A Rising NFL Star’s Collapse Into Crime

Aaron Josef Hernandez was an NFL player whose life later collapsed into crime and tragedy. He played three seasons with the New England Patriots before everything changed.

Born in 1989 in Bristol, Connecticut, Hernandez had a difficult childhood due to his strict father. His life became more unstable after the death of Dennis Hernandez when Aaron was 16 years old. He became estranged from his mother and began living with his older cousin.

Later, when news of his mother’s affair came to light, Hernandez was “enraged.” He gradually became more involved in criminal activity.

He was drawn toward football from a very young age. During his time at Bristol Central High School, Hernandez played for the Bristol Rams team. He started his football career as a wide receiver before becoming a tight end.

During high school, he set numerous records, which earned him significant popularity among the students. This is when he first began dating Shayanna Jenkins, who would later become his fiancée.

Hernandez began playing for the University of Connecticut during his college years. Later, he switched to the University of Florida under head coach Urban Meyer, and there were discussions about his NFL potential began.

With the Florida Gators, Hernandez quickly began getting attention. In particular, in his freshman year, he excelled in the field. However, in his sophomore year, he was benched for failing a drug test.

In 2009, he won the first big recognition, the John Mackey Award as the nation’s best 'tight end' and for leading his team in receptions with 68 for 850 yards and five touchdowns. However, at the same time, he was having a different life off the field. He has struggled with drugs and maintaining discipline.

In 2010, he was drafted by the New England Patriots at age 20. According to reports, despite his track record, multiple teams refused to draft him because “he was a problem.” However, with the Patriots, his success began.

He signed a lucrative contract and, with a solid partnership with Tom Brady, had strong performances.

His rising career completely collapsed after the 2013 death of Odin Lloyd. Lloyd, who was well-acquainted with Hernandez, was found dead in an industrial park in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. He had multiple gunshot wounds to the back and chest.

Although he initially denied any connection with Lloyd’s death, the Patriots quickly severed ties with him. On June 26, 2013, he was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and five additional charges, and the team released him.

On April 15, 2015, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and five firearm charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The motive behind the murder was never officially established. However, investigators said it may have involved paranoia.

In 2017, he died in prison in an apparent suicide.