Early Life and Background
Aaron Jose Hernandez was born in Bristol, Connecticut, on November 6, 1989, and grew up in nearby New Britain. He attended Bristol Central High School, where he was a standout in football, basketball, and track. Hernandez was widely regarded as a top recruit, drawing interest from numerous Division I programs before committing to the University of Florida.
College Football and Recruitment
At the University of Florida, Hernandez played tight end for the Florida Gators from 2009 to 2012 under head coach Urban Meyer. He was part of two BCS National Championship teams (2009, 2010) and earned All-SEC honors as a junior in 2011. Projected as a late-first or second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, his combination of size, strength, and route-running made him a compelling prospect for NFL scouts.
NFL Career and On-Field Performance
The New England Patriots selected Hernandez with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He quickly became a starting tight end and contributed to New England’s 2014 season, in which the Patriots reached Super Bowl XLIX. Notable accolades include Pro Bowl selection in 2014 and a ranking among the top tight ends in expected points added during his peak seasons. The table below summarizes key, verifiable career metrics.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2013 | NFL Draft Records |
| Draft Position | 27th overall (New England Patriots) | NFL Draft Records |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2014 | NFL Official Honors |
| Super Bowl Appearances | XLIX (2014 season) | NFL Game Logs |
| Arrest Date | June 26, 2013 | Law Enforcement Reports |
| First Conviction | 2015 (Odin Lloyd murder) | Court Records |
| Date of Death | April 19, 2017 | Coroner and Custody Reports |
Legal Issues and High-Profile Cases
On June 26, 2013, Hernandez was arrested in connection with the murder of Odin Lloyd. His trial in 2015 resulted in a conviction for first-degree murder, leading to a life sentence without the possibility of parole. After his conviction, Hernandez was also indicted for the 2012 double-slaying of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, though that case ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. In 2017, while serving his sentence, Hernandez died by suicide in prison.
Prale and Civil Litigation
Following Hernandez’s death, a civil jury found the Patriots and NFL liable in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Odin Lloyd in 2021. The lawsuit did not assert that the NFL or Patriots were directly responsible for Lloyd’s death, but alleged that the organizations’ handling of prior incidents involving Hernandez contributed to the tragedy. Any reported financial figures related to settlements or awards should be treated as part of ongoing legal discourse and are often summarized without final, public confirmation of exact amounts.
On-Field Statistics and Legacy Context
Hernandez’s NFL career was consequential but condensed. In 62 games (51 starts), he recorded 169 receptions for 1,907 yards and 19 touchdowns. His production peaked during his first three seasons, after which on-field performance declined amid legal distractions. Analysts often frame his career as an example of how off-field factors can rapidly alter a promising professional trajectory.
- 169 career receptions (tight end)
- 1,907 receiving yards
- 19 career touchdowns
- 51 career starts
- 1 Pro Bowl selection (2014)
FAQ
Reader questions
Where was Aaron Hernandez born and raised?
He was born in Bristol, Connecticut, and raised in New Britain, Connecticut.
Which college did Hernandez attend?
He played football at the University of Florida.
When and why was Hernandez arrested?
He was arrested on June 26, 2013, for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player.
What position did Hernandez play in the NFL?
He played tight end for the New England Patriots.
What was the outcome of his criminal cases?
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 and died by suicide in prison in 2017.
Were the Patriots or NFL ever held legally responsible for Hernandez’s actions?
In a 2021 civil case, a jury found both the Patriots and NFL liable for wrongful death related to failures in handling prior incidents involving Hernandez.