Aaron Hernandez was a skilled football player, recognized as an All-American at the University of Florida and a tight end for the New England Patriots. His career ended when he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd in June 2013. In May 2014, he was also indicted for two other murders from a 2012 drive-by shooting.
He was convicted of Lloyd’s murder in April 2015. After being found not guilty of the other charges, he died by suicide in prison on April 19, 2017. While much has been said about his life, here are six lesser-known factors that may have played a role in his tragic end.
6. Aaron Hernandez Had A Troubled Childhood
Aaron and his brother Jonathan grew up in a home filled with fear due to their father, Dennis, who used violent discipline. Known as “The King,” he expected his sons to excel in school and sports. When they didn’t meet his standards, he often punished them harshly. Jonathan recalled a time when Dennis handed him the phone and dared him to call the police, threatening even worse punishment if he did. This created a deep fear in both brothers, shaping their early lives.
5. A Hidden Relationship And Identity Struggles
In high school, Aaron Hernandeza had a secret romantic relationship with Dennis SanSoucie, the quarterback on his football team. They kept it hidden due to the homophobic atmosphere at home. Aaron’s father was especially concerned about his son’s behavior, viewing it as too feminine. He discouraged anything that didn’t align with traditional masculinity. This conflict and fear of being discovered complicated Aaron’s life further.
4. The Effects Of Head Injuries
Aaron’s football career was marked by serious head injuries, starting with a hard hit in his senior year. This concussion was one of many that led to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), severely impacting his mental health. Researchers at Boston University found Aaron had one of the worst cases of CTE for someone his age. Parts of his brain were shrunken, while others were enlarged, contributing to his unpredictable behavior and eventual suicide.
Also Read: Shocking Video Surfaces Of Fan Asking Aaron Hernandez How Much “A Hit On Him Is Worth”
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3. Aaron Hernandez’s Bitter Relationship With His Mother
Aaron’s relationship with his mother, Terri, was filled with tension and distrust. After his father died, Aaron learned that his mother was dating his cousin’s husband. This news made him feel betrayed. Their strained relationship was clear during a recorded phone call from prison, where Aaron accused her of not helping him with his ADHD treatment. Terri dismissed his concerns, comparing medication to cocaine.
2. A Plea For Safety That Was Ignored
Fearing for his life because of increasing threats from a former friend named Alexander Bradley, Aaron Hernandez asked Patriots coach Bill Belichick to trade him to a team on the West Coast. He believed that moving would keep his family safe from danger. However, this request was turned down, likely for financial reasons, leaving Aaron to deal with dangerous situations in New England.
1. Aaron Hernandez’s Tragic Death
Aaron died at the age of 27 when he took his own life in prison after being convicted of murder. Afterward, doctors found significant damage in his brain due to CTE, which was linked to his history of concussions. This finding stressed how much his football career affected his mental health, leading to violent behavior and ultimately contributing to his tragic end.
Trauma, hidden struggles, and severe health issues influenced Aaron Hernandez’s life. Despite his talent, the combination of a violent upbringing, identity conflicts, and the effects of head injuries led to a tragic end. His story stands as a reminder of the hidden challenges athletes may face beyond the field.
Also Read: How Many Criminal Charges Were On Late NFL Star Aaron Hernandez?
