College and NFL teams, stats and last game

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Tells the real-life story of the show’s titular NFL star, from his playing career to his downfall and final murder conviction. While the late athlete’s playing career is understandably overshadowed by becoming a convicted murderer, he was once one of the country’s best at his position. After shining at the college and professional level, Hernandez’s time as a pro athlete came to an abrupt end in his early twenties. But, like many pro athletes, he had an eye-catching drive to the top.

Josh Andrés Rivera leads the American Sports Story Cast as Aaron Hernandez, with the actor responsible for portraying Hernandez’s tumultuous journey, which ended in his life in prison in 2017. However, the angle of the biographical narrative gives a huge amount of attention to the sports journey Of main character, too, which was not without substance.

Aaron Hernandez played three seasons with the Florida Gators in college

Hernandez was recruited from a Connecticut high school

An all-round athlete, Hernandez’s time at Bristol Central High School in Connecticut saw him play a variety of sports and positions. While he played wide receiver, tight end, and even a bit on defense during his high school career, Hernandez was solidified as a tight end when he was recruited to play for the University of Florida. His first college season as a Gator was in 2007 and his last was in 2009.

Just as he would eventually do in the NFL, Hernandez wore No. 81 at the University of Florida. According to Florida Gators, Hernandez’s father died during the recruitment processBut his new coaches helped him through the emotional time. His most prolific quarterback during his Gators career was another future NFL player: Tim Tebow (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger in American Sports Story). In total, Hernandez played 40 career games as a Florida Gator.

The star tight end set records as a Florida Gator

Hernandez’s time in Florida saw the emerging tight end become more involved with the team’s offensive unit as the seasons went on. Although he appeared in all 13 games his freshman year, Hernandez only appeared as part of the starting lineup in 3 of them. The following season, he made 11 starts, and 13 in his final year as a Gator. His 2009 season set two impressive University of Florida records: Most single-season catches by a tight end (68), and most career catches by a tight end (111).

In addition to his career statistics, Aaron Hernandez was the first Florida Gator to be presented with the John Mackey AwardWhich is presented annually to the best collegiate tight end. By extension, this made Hernandez the first college player from the Southeastern Conference to receive the award. The emerging star also had two career games as a Gator when his receiving yards totaled over 100.

Why Aaron Hernandez didn’t return to Florida for his senior season

Coach Meyer didn’t want Hernandez back for his fourth and final year

NFL prospects only need to be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the NFL draft. Because of this, some players opt not to finish their college education and go pro early instead. It can be a difficult decision to make, however The choice is essentially taken out of Hernandez’s hands By Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer. According to the Boston GlobeMeyer was frustrated with his star tight end due to Hernandez’s use of marijuana.

Despite Tebow’s attempts to revive Meyer from dropping Hernandez in the past, The head coach finally told the tight end, “You will have to become pro.” It was clear that Meyer did not want Hernandez back for the player to see out his senior year. So, he declared himself eligible for the draft after the 2009 college football season. He was taken in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL draft with the 113th overall pick.

Aaron Hernandez played three seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots

Concerns about Hernandez’s maturity have led to him arriving much later than expected

Due to various NFL teams’ concerns about Hernandez’s maturity, he was passed over by each franchise more than once during the draft. generally, There were five other tight ends before the New England Patriots decided to take a gamble And select him. One of the players in Hernandez’s position that beat him to be drafted was Rob Gronkowski, who was also taken by New England.

All 5 tight ends taken before Aaron Hernandez in the 2010 NFL draft

• Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati Bengals)

• Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots)

• Ed Dixon (Baltimore Ravens)

• Tony Moeaki (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints)

Hernandez initially competed for the position of starting tight end. However, when it became clear how effective he was when used alongside Rob Gronkowski, head coach Bill Belichick began formulating bespoke plays that saved the presence of both players on the field simultaneously. Hernandez’s involvement in the offensive strategy was more pronounced during his three-year tenure in New England. However, he was reportedly unloved in the Patriots locker room — despite his talent and work ethic.

Hernandez played in one Super Bowl and almost made it to another

According to ESPNHernandez’s professional career ended with the tight end having 175 receptions, 1,956 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He was also used sparingly in the Patriots’ rushing attack, but finished his career with just 97 total yards on the ground. A reliable target for quarterback Tom Brady, Hernandez helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl XVLI in 2012. While he started the game, New England lost 21-17 to the New York Giants.

Aaron Hernandez was relatively consistent with the points he scored Over his three seasons as a pro athlete. He scored 36 points in his rookie year, slightly upping his total of 42 in 2011, and a career low of 30 points in the 2012 season. In the offseason of 2013, Hernandez was arrested for the murder of semi-professional football player, Odin Lloyd. It is understood that Hernandez’s conviction meant he was sent to prison, where he took his own life in 2017.

When Aaron Hernandez’s last NFL game was and what happened

The tight end’s last game was a loss to Baltimore

Months before tight end Odin Lloyd was murdered, Aaron Hernandez was part of the starting lineup of the 2012 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. A win would have secured a second trip to the Super Bowl in two years, and Hernandez was on the field for every offensive snap. With Rob Gronkowski out injured, Hernandez’s fellow tight end came in the form of Michael Hoomanawanuiwho was less used than his wounded counterpart.

Hernandez was thrown to 14 times in the 2012 AFC Championship Game, and he caught 9 of those passes. He finished the game with 83 receiving yards and ran the ball for 6 yards. He failed to score in what would be his last game as a professional footballer. The Patriots lost 28-13. With that, the professional career of the subject of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Came to an abrupt end and never again.

Sources:Florida Gators, Boston Globe, ESPN