FX’s newest installment in the American Story franchise, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, is set to be one of the most anticipated series this year. This 10-episode limited series traces the life of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots player whose downfall sent shockwaves through the world of professional football. The series will cover Hernandez’s meteoric rise, his criminal charges, and his tragic death.

Based on The Boston Globe and Wondery’s podcast Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc., the show offers an in-depth look into the factors that led to Hernandez’s demise. From his early success on the football field to his shocking conviction for murder, the story explores the darker side of his life, including his struggles with mental health, legal battles, and his time in prison.

The Rise of Aaron Hernandez

Hernandez’s journey began as a football prodigy, showing immense promise during his college years at the University of Florida. His talent and physical ability quickly caught the attention of the NFL. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010, Hernandez rapidly became one of the league’s standout players. As a tight end, he helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl and was considered one of the best in the league at his position.

However, while Hernandez’s professional career seemed to be on an unstoppable path, his personal life was unraveling. Beneath his success on the field lay a troubled individual, dealing with unresolved emotional issues and a pattern of violent behavior that would soon come to light.

The Beginning of the End

In June 2013, everything changed. The body of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player and the boyfriend of Hernandez’s fiancée’s sister, was discovered near Hernandez’s home. Lloyd had been shot multiple times. Just days after the discovery, Hernandez was arrested at his mansion in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, and charged with Lloyd’s murder.

The New England Patriots swiftly released him from the team, and Hernandez pleaded not guilty. Despite his insistence on innocence, the evidence against him was damning. In 2015, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This shocking conviction sent waves through the sports community, turning Hernandez from a celebrated athlete into a symbol of downfall.

The Double Homicide Case

But Hernandez’s legal troubles didn’t end there. In 2014, nearly a year after his arrest for Lloyd’s murder, Hernandez was indicted for a double homicide that occurred in 2012. Two men, Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, were killed in a drive-by shooting in Boston. Prosecutors argued that the incident occurred after a minor altercation at a nightclub, where one of the victims accidentally bumped into Hernandez, spilling his drink.

In 2017, Hernandez went on trial for this double homicide, but this time the outcome was different. Hernandez was acquitted of the charges. Despite the acquittal, his time in the spotlight was over. The legal battles had tarnished his legacy, and he remained behind bars for Lloyd’s murder.

The Tragic End

Just days after being acquitted of the double homicide, Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell on April 19, 2017. He had taken his own life, hanging himself with a bedsheet. His death shocked the nation, with many left wondering how such a talented athlete had fallen so far.

Subsequent autopsies revealed that Hernandez suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often linked to head injuries sustained in contact sports like football. The disease, which can cause severe mood swings, depression, and impulsive behavior, was likely a factor in his downward spiral. The revelation sparked a broader conversation about the long-term effects of football on mental health and safety.

A Closer Look at Hernandez’s Life

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez promises to be an intense and thought-provoking portrayal of Hernandez’s life. The series, starring Josh Andrés Rivera as Hernandez, will explore not just his football career, but also his childhood, personal struggles, and the events that led to his demise. The show will highlight several critical aspects of Hernandez’s life, including his reported struggle with his sexuality, the childhood abuse he and his brother endured, and his experiences with mental illness, particularly CTE.

The producers of American Sports Story have emphasized that the series will offer multiple perspectives on Hernandez’s story. The series aims to shed light on the various influences that shaped his life, from his time as an NFL star to his tragic death in prison.

A Part of the Expanding American Story Franchise

The American Sports Story series is part of Ryan Murphy’s larger American Story franchise, which includes hit shows like American Horror Story and American Crime Story. With American Sports Story, the franchise broadens its scope by focusing on the world of sports and the complicated figures who have both risen to fame and fallen from grace.

This latest chapter in the franchise promises to be a gripping exploration of not just Hernandez’s life, but the broader cultural issues surrounding sports, mental health, and the pressures of fame. Audiences can expect an honest and unflinching portrayal of Hernandez’s life, without overhyping or sensationalizing the tragic events.

Final Thoughts

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez will be an emotionally charged series that revisits one of the most shocking falls from grace in recent sports history. With a focus on the real-life events that led to Hernandez’s downfall, the show will offer viewers a closer look at the man behind the headlines. For fans of true crime and sports dramas, this is a must-watch that delves deep into the heart of a story that captivated the world.

This season’s powerful narrative will not only bring the saga back into the spotlight but also provoke deeper conversations about mental health, head injuries in sports, and the consequences of fame. As the series unfolds, it will challenge viewers to rethink what they know about Hernandez and the forces that shaped his life.