Challenges Faced by Aaron Hernandez: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Aaron Hernandez. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1999: Parents' Bankruptcy

In 1999, Aaron Hernandez's parents filed for bankruptcy.

January 2006: Death of Dennis Hernandez

In January 2006, when Aaron Hernandez was 16 years old, his father, Dennis Hernandez, died from complications following hernia surgery. This event heavily impacted Hernandez.

2006: Knocked Unconscious

During one game in 2006, Aaron Hernandez took a blindside hit to the head so hard that he was knocked out cold and had to be taken off the field in an ambulance.

April 27, 2010: Reported Marijuana Use

On April 27, 2010, it was reported that Aaron Hernandez admitted to scouts at the NFL Combine that he had a history of marijuana use and had failed multiple drug tests in college.

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.

February 21, 2011: Hip Surgery

On February 21, 2011, it was reported that Aaron Hernandez had undergone hip surgery after injuring it in Week 15.

2012: Hernandez's Last NFL Appearance

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

2012: Double Homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado

In 2012, Aaron Hernandez was acquitted of the double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.

2012: Indicted for Double Homicide

In 2012, Aaron Hernandez was indicted for the double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado while on trial for the murder of Odin Lloyd.

2012: Jenkins Moves Out and Returns

In 2012, Shayanna Jenkins moved out after discovering Aaron Hernandez cheating on her, but returned in the summer. During Hernandez's trial, it was claimed that he had flirted with and kissed the nanny of his daughter. Jenkins testified she wanted to make their relationship work and compromised on his behavior.

2012: Fear of Sexuality Being Revealed

In 2012, prosecutors intended to raise the issue of Aaron Hernandez's sexuality during the double homicide trial, which frightened him, as he wished to keep his sexuality a secret.

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.

April 2013: Purchases of Weapons and Armored Vehicles

In April 2013, Aaron Hernandez purchased a used car with handguns and rifles inside, along with a Chevrolet Suburban outfitted as an armored car. He installed secret compartments in vehicles to store firearms and insisted on tinted windows for fear of being seen by enemies. He also used marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs.

June 2013: Belichick Losing Patience with Hernandez

By June 2013, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was losing patience with Aaron Hernandez and planned to have him released from the team.

June 18, 2013: Police Search Hernandez's Home

On June 18, 2013, police searched Aaron Hernandez's home in connection with the murder investigation of Odin Lloyd, whose body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in an industrial park close to Hernandez's residence.

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.

July 2013: Gronkowski Declines to Answer Questions About Hernandez

In July 2013, Rob Gronkowski repeatedly declined to answer any questions about Aaron Hernandez in interviews and nearly walked out during a CBS interview until the reporter agreed to change the subject away from his former teammate.

August 22, 2013: Hernandez Indicted for Murder of Lloyd

On August 22, 2013, Aaron Hernandez was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of Odin Lloyd.

September 6, 2013: Hernandez Pleads Not Guilty

On September 6, 2013, Aaron Hernandez pled not guilty to the charge of murdering Odin Lloyd.

2013: Hernandez's Trip to California and Erratic Behavior

In 2013, Aaron Hernandez traveled to California with Shayanna Jenkins and their daughter for shoulder surgery. During this time, Jenkins made two police calls within a week, alleging Hernandez was drunk and violent, including an incident where he broke a window. Reports from Hernandez's brother and friends mentioned the presence of drugs and guns in the rented apartment. D.J. Hernandez found his brother on the roof one night, appearing defeated and handling a gun.

2013: Arrested for Murder of Odin Lloyd

In 2013, Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player. Following the arrest, the Patriots released Hernandez.

2013: Increasing Paranoia and Security Measures

In 2013, D.J. described Aaron Hernandez as growing increasingly paranoid, believing the FBI and others were after him. He slept with a knife, collected weapons, hired a bodyguard after the shooting of Alexander Bradley, and installed a surveillance system. Hernandez requested a trade to a team on the other side of the country, but the request was denied.

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.

April 15, 2015: Hernandez Found Guilty of Murder

On April 15, 2015, Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd and five firearm charges, resulting in a life sentence without parole.

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.

2015: Conviction for Odin Lloyd's Murder

In 2015, Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder in the Odin Lloyd case and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

2015: Filing Appeal for Conviction

In 2015, at the time of his death, Aaron Hernandez was in the process of filing an appeal for his conviction in the murder of Odin Lloyd.

2017: Acquittal of Double Homicide

In 2017, Aaron Hernandez was acquitted after a trial for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.

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.