Age and timeline at a glance
Aaron Hernandez (November 5, 1989 – April 19, 2017) died at age 27. He was 27 years old at the time of his death in April 2017. Based on his date of birth, he was 23 years old when he was arrested in June 2013, 25 at his 2015 murder conviction (later vacated), and 27 at his death in 2017. The table below summarizes key dates and his age at each point.
| Date or period | Event | Age and significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1989 | Birth | Age 0; full date used to compute age at milestones |
| Jun 2013 | Arrest in Odin Lloyd murder investigation | Age 23; began high-profile incarceration |
| Apr 15, 2015 | First-degree murder conviction vacated | Age 25; conviction overturned and remanded |
| Apr 19, 2h17 | Death in custody | Age 27; died by suicide in prison |
Biographical context and career overview
Aaron Hernandez was an American professional football tight end born on November 5, 1989. He played college football at the University of Florida and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Hernandez holds a notable place in NFL history due to his on-field production and his highly publicized criminal case, which drew widespread legal and social scrutiny. His career and life remain frequently studied topics in discussions about the intersection of sports, celebrity, and criminal justice.
Key biographical facts and dates
Because age is computed from a fixed date of birth, establishing the exact date is essential. The following facts are widely reported and used by reputable sources to determine his age at major events. Note that some details below are simplified to support age calculations and are not speculative commentary.
- Date of birth: November 5, 1989
- Date of death: April 19, 2017
- Age at death: 27 years old, died by suicide in prison
- Height and weight at NFL entry: Listed around 6 ft 3 in, 275–285 lbs
- College: University of Florida
- Drafted: 2010, fourth round, 121st overall pick by the New England Patriots
Age at career milestones and legal events
Tracking Hernandez’s age at prominent moments helps clarify timelines for biographies, historical records, and public discussion. The ages below are derived by subtracting 1989 from the event year and adjusting for whether the birthday had occurred in the event date. These figures are commonly cited in reference materials and profiles.
| Date | Event | Age and notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | NFL draft and rookie contract | Age 20–21; entered the league as a young prospect |
| 2012 | First Super Bowl appearance (XLVI) | Age 22–23; Patriots lost to Giants |
| Jun 2013 | Arrest for Odin Lloyd murder | Age 23; high-profile custody and charges |
| Apr 2015 | Murder conviction vacated on appeal | Age 25; case returned for retrial |
| Apr 19, 2017 | Death in custody | Age 27; died by suicide in prison |
Age context relative to other NFL players
At his draft in 2010, Hernandez was younger than many tight ends selected in the first two rounds but was within a typical range for late-round prospects. By the time of his legal events (2013–2017), his age remained in the early to mid 20s, a period when many professional athletes are in their physical prime. Understanding his age at these points is useful when comparing career timelines, legal outcomes, and media coverage intensity across peer athletes.
Common questions about age and timelines
Because his case remains widely referenced, people often ask about his age at specific moments and the dates used to establish those ages. This section addresses the most frequent age-related questions. All computations assume no correction to the publicly listed birth date of November 5, 1989.
How old was Hernandez when he was arrested?
He was 23 years old at the time of his arrest in June 2013 for the murder of Odin Lloyd. This placed him in his early 20s during the height of the media coverage.
How old was Hernandez when he died?
He died on April 19, 2027, at age 27. His death occurred while he was incarcerated and his murder conviction had been vacated following an appeal.
Does his age affect how his career is remembered?
Age provides context for career stages: drafted in his early 20s, convicted in his mid 20s, and deceased in his 20s. This backdrop is frequently referenced when discussing the timeline of his on-field achievements and legal proceedings.