Career Timeline of Aaron Hernandez: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Aaron Hernandez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Aaron Hernandez was a professional American football player, a tight end for the New England Patriots. His promising career was cut short when he was arrested and subsequently convicted for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez's case garnered significant media attention due to his celebrity status and the shocking nature of the crime. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. While in prison, he was also indicted but later acquitted for a separate double murder. In 2017, Hernandez committed suicide in his prison cell. Posthumous examination of his brain revealed severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1960: Youngest player since 1960 to have more than 100 receiving yards

Hernandez became the youngest player since 1960 to have more than 100 receiving yards in a single game.

2006: Gostkowski signing bonus

In 2006, Memphis Tigers placekicker Stephen Gostkowski, received a signing bonus that was more than double what Hernandez received in 2010.

2007: Started Three Games for Florida Gators

As a freshman in 2007, Aaron Hernandez started three games for the Florida Gators and finished the season with nine receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns.

2007: Top Tight-End Recruit

In 2007, Aaron Hernandez was considered the top tight-end recruit by Scout.com.

2008: Starting Role after Injury

During the 2008 season, Aaron Hernandez started eleven of thirteen games in place of the injured Cornelius Ingram and finished the season with 34 receptions for 381 yards and five touchdowns.

2009: BCS National Championship Game Win

In 2009, Aaron Hernandez won the BCS National Championship Game while playing college football for the Florida Gators, earning first-team All-American honors.

2009: John Mackey Award

In 2009, as a junior, Aaron Hernandez won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end after leading the team in receptions. He was also a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and a first-team All-American.

January 6, 2010: Declared for NFL Draft

On January 6, 2010, Aaron Hernandez announced his decision to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

March 17, 2010: Florida's Pro Day

On March 17, 2010, Aaron Hernandez participated at Florida's pro day and performed all of the combine drills.

June 8, 2010: Signed by Patriots

On June 8, 2010, the Patriots signed Aaron Hernandez to a four-year, $2.37 million contract with a $200,000 signing bonus.

September 19, 2010: 101 Receiving Yards

On September 19, 2010, Aaron Hernandez had six receptions for 101 receiving yards during a loss to the New York Jets. He became the youngest player since 1960 to achieve this milestone.

November 7, 2010: First Career Touchdowns

On November 7, 2010, Aaron Hernandez caught five passes for 48 yards and scored the first two touchdowns of his NFL career during a loss to the Cleveland Browns.

December 19, 2010: Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week

On December 19, 2010, Aaron Hernandez had four catches for 31 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Green Bay Packers, earning him the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award.

2010: Meyer's Decision

After Hernandez's junior year in 2010, Meyer told him that he would not be welcome back for a fourth year, and that he would have to try to get picked up by a professional team in the 2010 NFL draft.

2010: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 2010, Aaron Hernandez was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

2010: Randy Moss traded

In 2010, Randy Moss was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

2010: Patriots Finished First in the AFC East

The Patriots finished the 2010 season first in the AFC East with a 14–2 record and earned a first round bye.

2010: Named Third Tight End

Throughout the 2010 training camp, Aaron Hernandez competed to be a starting tight end and was eventually named the third tight end on the Patriots depth chart.

January 16, 2011: First Career Playoff Game

On January 16, 2011, Aaron Hernandez started in his first career playoff game, catching one pass for four yards in a loss against the New York Jets.

December 19, 2011: Hernandez Catches Season-High

On December 19, 2011, Aaron Hernandez caught a season-high nine passes for 129 receiving yards and scored one touchdown during a 41–23 victory at the Denver Broncos in Week 15.

December 28, 2011: Hernandez Voted as Pro Bowl Alternate

On December 28, 2011, Aaron Hernandez was voted to the 2012 Pro Bowl as an alternate. Many analysts argued he was more deserving than San Diego Chargers' tight end Antonio Gates.

2011: Record-Setting Season for Hernandez and Gronkowski

In 2011, Hernandez and Gronkowski set NFL records for yardage, receptions, and touchdowns by tight ends on one team, combining for 169 receptions, 2,237 yards, and 24 touchdowns. Hernandez was considered the top H-Back in the league.

January 14, 2012: Patriots Win Against Broncos in AFC Divisional Round

On January 14, 2012, Aaron Hernandez made four receptions for 55-yards and one touchdown in the Patriots' 45–10 win against the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Hernandez also had a 42-yard carry.

February 5, 2012: Hernandez Starts in Super Bowl XLVI

On February 5, 2012, Aaron Hernandez started in Super Bowl XLVI and caught eight passes for 67-yards and made a 12-yard touchdown reception; however, the Patriots lost to the New York Giants 21–17.

August 27, 2012: Patriots Sign Hernandez to Contract Extension

On August 27, 2012, the Patriots signed Aaron Hernandez to a five-year, $39.58 million contract extension that included $15.95 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $12.50 million. Hernandez donated $50,000 of his bonus to charity.

2012: Hernandez's Last NFL Appearance

Aaron Hernandez's last NFL appearance was in 2012, before legal troubles derailed his career.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, Aaron Hernandez was voted to the Pro Bowl as an alternate after a successful season with the New England Patriots.

2012: Patriots Planned to Withhold Signing Bonus

In 2012, the Patriots planned to withhold $3.25 million of Aaron Hernandez's 2012 signing bonus that was due to be paid in 2014, and to recoup the signing bonus already paid.

January 20, 2013: Hernandez Plays in AFC Championship Game

On January 20, 2013, Aaron Hernandez played in his last NFL game, the 2012 AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens, where he had nine catches for 83 yards in the 28–13 loss.

June 26, 2013: Hernandez Charged with Murder, Released by Patriots

On June 26, 2013, Aaron Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder and five gun-related charges. Shortly after, the New England Patriots released Hernandez from the team.

2013: Patriots Void Guarantees and Accelerated Money

In 2013, the Patriots voided all remaining guarantees in Aaron Hernandez's contract and accelerated all of Hernandez's remaining guaranteed money into the 2013 and 2014 salary caps.

2014: Patriots Acceleration of Money into Salary Cap

In 2014, the Patriots accelerated all of Aaron Hernandez's remaining guaranteed money into the 2013 and 2014 salary caps, taking a $7.5 million hit.

2015: Forfeiture of Salaries

In 2015, Aaron Hernandez automatically forfeited his salaries for 2015–2018, totaling $19.3 million, due to his arrest and termination by the Patriots.

2018: Forfeiture of Salaries

In 2018, Aaron Hernandez automatically forfeited his salaries for 2015–2018, totaling $19.3 million, due to his arrest and termination by the Patriots.