FX’s latest series, “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” explores the harrowing journey of a football star turned convict. The show, a gripping addition to Ryan Murphy’s “American Story” franchise, reveals the tragic life of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots player.
This captivating 10-episode series is based on “The Boston Globe” and Wondery podcast “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.,” promising an unflinching exploration of Hernandez’s complex story.
The series stars Josh Andrés Rivera as Hernandez and paints a vivid portrait of his battles – on the field and in his personal life. The narrative threads through key moments: His arrest, murder conviction, and eventual suicide.
The Rise of Aaron Hernandez as an NFL Athlete
Aaron Hernandez’s story began with promise. A standout athlete, he rose through college football ranks to earn a spot on the New England Patriots roster. On the surface, Hernandez had it all: fame, fortune, and a thriving career. Yet, as “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” unveils, the reality was far from ideal.
Behind the glamour lay a tumultuous childhood marked by alleged abuse and internal struggles with identity. The series sheds light on how these experiences shaped Hernandez’s actions and decisions. His football career provided a temporary escape, but unresolved trauma often has a way of catching up.
The Shocking Crime That Led to the Fall of the Former NFL Athlete
In June 2013, the body of Odin Lloyd was found near Hernandez’s Massachusetts home. Just nine days later, the NFL star was arrested and charged with Lloyd’s murder. This event rocked the sports world, leading to his immediate release from the Patriots. The arrest and ensuing trial became a media sensation, with shocking details emerging at every turn.
Thus, the FX series explores these pivotal moments, depicting the chaotic fallout of Lloyd’s murder. The courtroom drama and media frenzy are vividly recreated, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the case that turned Hernandez’s life upside down.
It Was More Than One Murder!
As if Lloyd’s case wasn’t shocking enough, Hernandez faced additional charges for the 2012 killings of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado. The prosecution claimed Hernandez’s violent outburst stemmed from a minor nightclub altercation. However, Hernandez’s defense argued otherwise, resulting in his 2017 acquittal in the case.
“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” masterfully intertwines these narratives, exploring the psychological pressures that may have contributed to his actions. Was it unchecked aggression? Lingering trauma? Or the physical toll of football itself? The show keeps you questioning.
CTE Is a Central Theme of the Latest FX Series
A central theme in the series is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated head trauma in sports. After Hernandez’s death, his brain showed severe signs of CTE, offering potential explanations for his behavior.
It prompts a broader conversation about mental health in sports, making Hernandez’s story not just a cautionary tale but a call for change.
Tragedy Behind Bars
In 2017, just days after being acquitted in the double homicide case, Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell. His death, ruled a suicide, shocked the world. The show doesn’t shy away from the aftermath – examining the questions, conspiracies, and heartbreak left in its wake.
“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” portrays Hernandez’s final days with sensitivity, reflecting on his inner turmoil and the toll of public scrutiny. His family’s pain and the lingering impact on his daughter add emotional weight to the narrative.