FX’s upcoming miniseries American Sports Story will tell the complicated story of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. The ten-episode series debuting September 17 will focus on Hernandez’s rise in football and his abrupt downfall following a murder conviction.
Hernandez first gained attention as a skilled high school player in Bristol, Connecticut. He later starred for the University of Florida Gators football team, helping them win a national championship. The Patriots selected Hernandez in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. He quickly emerged as one of their offensive standouts over the next three seasons.
However, Hernandez also dealt with personal issues off the field. According to those close to him, Hernandez experienced a difficult childhood and struggled with his identity. He had a volatile personality and entanglements with criminal activity that continued into his pro career.
In June 2013, Hernandez’s life took a shocking turn when he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. Prosecutors said Hernandez shot Lloyd execution-style in an industrial park near Hernandez’s home. A jury later convicted Hernandez of first-degree murder and felony murder, sending him to prison for life without parole.
American Sports Story aims to provide context around Hernandez’s entire journey. It will portray Hernandez from his youth through his rise in college and professional football. The series also examines how cultural pressures may have impacted Hernandez and potentially contributed to his violent behavior and tragic downfall at the height of his career.
Produced for FX by renowned creator Ryan Murphy, American Sports Story seeks to offer a nuanced perspective on Hernandez’s complex life story. By exploring the many factors that shaped Hernandez, from his childhood experiences to his celebrity status, the series seeks a deeper understanding of this disturbing case of a promising athlete who lost everything in an instant.
