Aaron Hernandez was a prominent tight end in the NFL, playing three seasons for the New England Patriots. His promising career was cut short when he was arrested and subsequently convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd.
1984: San Diego Chargers Set Tight End Record
In 1984, the San Diego Chargers set the previous NFL record for receptions and yards by multiple tight ends on a single team, utilizing four tight ends to achieve this.
1986: Marriage of Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez's parents, Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez, were married in 1986.
November 6, 1989: Birth of Aaron Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez was born in Bristol, Connecticut on November 6, 1989.
1991: Divorce of Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez
Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez divorced in 1991.
1996: Remarriage of Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez
Dennis Hernandez and Terri Valentine-Hernandez remarried in 1996.
1999: Bankruptcy of the Hernandez Family
The Hernandez family filed for bankruptcy in 1999.
January 2006: Death of Dennis Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez's father, Dennis, died in January 2006 from complications following hernia surgery.
2006: Hernandez Suffers Serious Head Injury During Game
Hernandez suffered a severe head injury during a game in 2006 and had to be taken off the field in an ambulance.
April 28, 2007: Hernandez Involved in Restaurant Altercation
On April 28, 2007, 17-year-old Aaron Hernandez was involved in an incident at a Gainesville, Florida, restaurant where he was reported to have consumed alcohol, refused to pay the bill, and physically assaulted a restaurant employee, causing an eardrum rupture.
September 30, 2007: Shooting Incident in Gainesville
On September 30, 2007, a shooting occurred in Gainesville, Florida, where a car occupied by three individuals was fired upon. Two of the occupants sustained gunshot wounds. While Aaron Hernandez was later identified as a potential suspect, no charges were filed at the time.
2007: Initial Identification and Subsequent Retraction
In the immediate aftermath of the 2007 shooting, one witness identified Aaron Hernandez as the shooter. However, during a later reinvestigation, the same witness retracted their statement, introducing uncertainty surrounding Hernandez's role in the incident.
2007: Hernandez Begins Dating Shayanna Jenkins
Aaron Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins begin dating in 2007. They had known each other since elementary school.
2007: Hernandez Ranked Top Tight-End Recruit
Hernandez was considered the top tight-end recruit in 2007 by Scout.com.
2007: Hernandez Starts College Football Career at the University of Florida
Hernandez began his college football career as a freshman at the University of Florida, starting in three games.
2008: Hernandez Benched for Failed Drug Test, Returns as Starting Player
Hernandez was benched for the 2008 season opener due to a failed drug test, but returned to start eleven out of thirteen games.
2009: Hernandez Leads Gators in Receiving Yards in BCS National Championship Victory
Hernandez led the Florida Gators in receiving yards during their BCS National Championship victory against the Oklahoma Sooners in 2009.
2009: Hernandez Wins John Mackey Award
Hernandez won the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's best tight end, in 2009. He was also recognized as a first-team All-American.
2009: Hernandez Wins BCS National Championship with Florida Gators
In 2009, Aaron Hernandez and the Florida Gators won the BCS National Championship Game against the Oklahoma Sooners.
March 17, 2010: Hernandez Participates in Florida's Pro Day
Hernandez participated in Florida's pro day and performed all of the NFL Scouting Combine drills, achieving impressive results.
April 27, 2010: Reports of Hernandez's Drug Use Surface
Reports surfaced that Hernandez admitted to a history of marijuana use and failed drug tests while in college. He denied the extent of the claims but wrote letters to teams offering to be drug tested regularly.
June 8, 2010: Hernandez Signs with the Patriots
On June 8, 2010, Aaron Hernandez signed a four-year, $2.37 million contract with the New England Patriots. The deal included a signing bonus of $200,000, less than half of what was expected, due to concerns about Hernandez's off-field behavior.
September 19, 2010: Hernandez Sets Record for Receiving Yards
On September 19, 2010, during a game against the New York Jets, Aaron Hernandez recorded 101 receiving yards. This made him the youngest player since 1960 to achieve over 100 receiving yards in a single game.
November 7, 2010: Hernandez Scores First Touchdowns
On November 7, 2010, in a game against the Cleveland Browns, Aaron Hernandez scored his first two NFL touchdowns.
December 19, 2010: Hernandez Earns Rookie of the Week
Following a two-touchdown performance in a game against the Green Bay Packers on December 19, 2010, Aaron Hernandez was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.
2010: Hernandez's Rookie Training Camp
During the 2010 training camp, Aaron Hernandez competed for the starting tight end position against veteran Alge Crumpler and fellow rookie Rob Gronkowski. His performance alongside Gronkowski foreshadowed their future success as a dominant tight end duo.
2010: Hernandez Gives Up Jersey Number
When Chad Johnson joined the Patriots, Aaron Hernandez gave up his jersey number 85 to Johnson, who was legally using the name "Ochocinco" based on that number. Hernandez switched back to his college number, 81. While this was portrayed as a gesture of goodwill, Hernandez's attorney later claimed that Hernandez was paid $50,000 for the number change.
2010: Hernandez Drafted by the Patriots
Hernandez was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
January 16, 2011: Patriots' Playoff Loss
The New England Patriots, with Aaron Hernandez in the starting lineup, lost to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Round on January 16, 2011.
February 21, 2011: Hernandez Undergoes Hip Surgery
On February 21, 2011, Aaron Hernandez underwent hip surgery, an injury sustained during the previous season. He entered the next training camp as a backup tight end.
April 30, 2011: Fight and Traffic Stop Involving Hernandez
On April 30, 2011, police responded to a fight involving Aaron Hernandez outside his residence in Plainville, Massachusetts. Earlier that evening, Hernandez was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend that was pulled over for a traffic violation. Despite the driver's reckless behavior, no arrest was made, potentially due to Hernandez's presence.
December 19, 2011: Hernandez Excels Against the Broncos
On December 19, 2011, Aaron Hernandez had a standout performance against the Denver Broncos, catching nine passes for 129 receiving yards and one touchdown.
December 28, 2011: Hernandez Selected for Pro Bowl
On December 28, 2011, Aaron Hernandez was voted to the 2012 Pro Bowl as an alternate. This was considered a significant achievement despite being an alternate selection.
2011: Hernandez and Gronkowski Set NFL Records
In 2011, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski became the first tight-end duo in NFL history to each catch at least five touchdowns in consecutive seasons for the same team. They also set NFL records that year for yardage, receptions, and touchdowns by tight ends on a single team. Their success revolutionized the tight end position, influencing other teams to adopt two-tight end sets.
2011: Jenkins Moves in with Hernandez
Shayanna Jenkins moves in with Aaron Hernandez in 2011 during his second season with the Patriots.
January 14, 2012: Patriots Win AFC Divisional Round
On January 14, 2012, the New England Patriots, including Aaron Hernandez, secured a victory against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round, winning with a score of 45-10.
February 5, 2012: Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
On February 5, 2012, Aaron Hernandez and the New England Patriots played against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. Although Hernandez had a touchdown reception, the Patriots lost 21-17.
July 16, 2012: Double Homicide Near Cure Lounge
On July 16, 2012, a double homicide occurred near the Cure Lounge in Boston, claiming the lives of two individuals. Witnesses reported that a vehicle connected to Aaron Hernandez was present at the scene, and security camera footage confirmed his presence at the club that evening. While initially considered coincidental, this event later became part of a larger investigation into Hernandez's activities.
August 27, 2012: Hernandez Signs $40 Million Contract Extension
On August 27, 2012, Aaron Hernandez signed a five-year contract extension with the New England Patriots worth $39.58 million, which included a $12.5 million signing bonus, marking the largest signing bonus ever received by an NFL tight end at that time.
2012: Signing Bonus Repercussions
The Patriots took steps to withhold a portion of Hernandez's signing bonus from 2012, seeking to recoup some of the financial losses incurred due to his actions.
2012: Indictment for Double Homicide
While on trial for Odin Lloyd's murder, Hernandez was also indicted for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.
2012: Hernandez's Sexuality and the Impact on His Trials
Hernandez's sexuality was a point of contention, with prosecutors aiming to address it during his 2012 double homicide trial, a prospect that caused him distress due to his desire for privacy. His fiancée later stated she saw no indication of him being gay but expressed regret over the lack of communication, highlighting the impact of societal expectations and the tragedy of unspoken feelings.
2012: Double Homicide in Boston
In 2012, a double homicide occurred in Boston, a case that would later entangle Aaron Hernandez and raise questions about his involvement.
2012: Hernandez Seeks Respect Through Weapons
In 2012, Aaron Hernandez confided in his agent, revealing that he sought respect through the possession of weapons.
2012: Hernandez Purchases a Home in North Attleborough
In 2012, Aaron Hernandez buys a $1.3 million home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, where he lives with his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, and their daughter.
2012: Jenkins Returns to Hernandez After Infidelity
In 2012, Shayanna Jenkins moved out after discovering Hernandez's infidelity but later returned. During Hernandez's murder trial, allegations of his flirtation and intimacy with their daughter's nanny surfaced. Despite the challenges, Jenkins testified about her efforts to make the relationship work and her understanding of her role, highlighting the complexities of their partnership.
2012: Hernandez's Last NFL Appearance
Aaron Hernandez's final appearance in the NFL was during the 2012 AFC Championship game.
2012: Hernandez's Daughter is Born and the Couple Gets Engaged
Aaron Hernandez's daughter, Avielle, is born in 2012, the same year he gets engaged to Shayanna Jenkins.
January 2013: Hernandez's Friend Arrested for DUI
In January 2013, Aaron Hernandez and his friend, Bradley, were involved in an incident where Bradley was arrested for drunk driving. Despite Hernandez's attempt to intervene, Bradley faced consequences for his actions.
January 20, 2013: Hernandez's Final NFL Game
On January 20, 2013, Aaron Hernandez played his last NFL game, representing the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. The Patriots lost the game, with a final score of 28-13.
February 13, 2013: Shooting of Alexander Bradley
On February 13, 2013, during the same Florida trip, an altercation between Aaron Hernandez and Alexander Bradley resulted in Bradley being shot in the face, leading to the loss of his right eye. Bradley, though seeking revenge, did not cooperate with the police investigation.
February 2013: Hernandez's Paranoia and Strip Club Incident
During a trip to a Florida strip club in February 2013, Aaron Hernandez, already anxious about the double murder investigation, became suspicious of two men, thinking they were undercover police officers. This incident highlighted Hernandez's growing paranoia and the shadow the investigation cast on his life.
April 2013: Hernandez's Heightened Security Measures and Drug Use
In April 2013, Hernandez's actions revealed a preoccupation with security and potential threats. He acquired a used car containing firearms, purchased an armored Chevrolet Suburban, and had secret compartments installed in vehicles for weapon storage. He insisted on traveling in cars with tinted windows, fearing being recognized by enemies.
June 13, 2013: Bradley Files Lawsuit Against Hernandez
Alexander Bradley filed a civil lawsuit against Aaron Hernandez on June 13, 2013, seeking damages for the shooting incident. However, he withdrew the suit shortly after, aiming for a private settlement.
June 2013: Belichick Plans to Release Hernandez
By June 2013, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick had lost patience with Aaron Hernandez's behavior and planned to release him from the team. The situation escalated further after Hernandez's arrest for the murder of Odin Lloyd, leading Belichick to ban any mention of Hernandez's name in the locker room.
June 18, 2013: Police Search Hernandez's Home in Connection to Odin Lloyd's Death
On June 18, 2013, authorities conducted a search of Aaron Hernandez's residence as part of their investigation into the fatal shooting of Odin Lloyd, a friend of Hernandez, found dead near Hernandez's home.
June 26, 2013: Hernandez Arrested and Released by Patriots
On June 26, 2013, Aaron Hernandez was formally charged with first-degree murder and firearm offenses in connection to Odin Lloyd's death. Swiftly, within 90 minutes, the New England Patriots severed ties with their star tight end.
August 22, 2013: Hernandez Indicted for Murder
A grand jury indicted Aaron Hernandez on August 22, 2013, for Odin Lloyd's murder, to which Hernandez pleaded not guilty on September 6, 2013.
September 3, 2013: Hernandez Requests Postponement of Lawsuit
On September 3, 2013, Aaron Hernandez's legal team requested a postponement of the civil lawsuit filed by Alexander Bradley until the resolution of the murder charges against Hernandez.
September 6, 2013: Hernandez Pleads Not Guilty
Aaron Hernandez maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to the murder charges on September 6, 2013.
2013: Patriots Void Guarantees and Face Cap Hits
In 2013, the Patriots nullified all remaining guarantees on Hernandez's contract, absorbing financial penalties as a consequence of his actions.
2013: Arrest and Release from the Patriots
In 2013, Hernandez was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd. He was subsequently released by the New England Patriots.
2013: Hernandez's Growing Paranoia and Concerns for Safety
In 2013, Hernandez exhibited escalating paranoia, expressing fears about the FBI and others. He heightened his personal security measures, including sleeping with a knife, amassing weapons, hiring a bodyguard, and installing surveillance systems. His anxieties extended to his professional life, leading him to confide in Coach Belichick about safety concerns, even requesting a trade, which was denied.
2013: Reinvestigation of the 2007 Shooting
Following Aaron Hernandez's arrest in 2013, authorities in Massachusetts contacted their counterparts in Florida to investigate any potential connection between Hernandez and the 2007 shooting in Gainesville. Despite initial identification by one witness, the reinvestigation cast doubt on Hernandez's involvement as the primary shooter.
2013: Domestic Disturbances and Hernandez's Struggles
During a trip to California in 2013, Aaron Hernandez exhibited troubling behavior, leading to two calls to the police by his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins. These incidents, coupled with accounts of drug use and Hernandez's emotional distress, painted a picture of his personal struggles.
May 15, 2014: Hernandez Indicted on Murder Charges
On May 15, 2014, Aaron Hernandez was indicted on charges of murder, armed assault, and attempted murder related to the deaths of two individuals in Boston on July 16, 2012. The charges stemmed from a shooting incident where Hernandez was alleged to have been present.
2014: Patriots Face Additional Cap Hit
The Patriots continued to experience financial repercussions from Hernandez's release in 2014, absorbing further salary cap penalties.
April 15, 2015: Hernandez Found Guilty of Murder
On April 15, 2015, the court found Aaron Hernandez guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Odin Lloyd, resulting in a life sentence without parole.
May 11, 2015: Hernandez Indicted for Witness Intimidation
Aaron Hernandez faced an additional indictment on May 11, 2015, for witness intimidation related to the shooting of Alexander Bradley, who was a potential witness in the 2012 double homicide case.
2015: Hernandez's Unfinished Appeal
At the time of his passing, Hernandez was in the midst of appealing his 2015 murder conviction, a process cut short by his death.
2015: Hernandez Forfeits Millions in Salary
Following his arrest and release from the Patriots, Hernandez forfeited a significant portion of his salary, totaling $19.3 million, which was set to be earned between 2015 and 2018.
2015: Conviction for the Murder of Odin Lloyd
In 2015, Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Odin Lloyd and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
February 2016: Hernandez Settles Lawsuit with Bradley
In February 2016, Aaron Hernandez reached an undisclosed settlement with Alexander Bradley, resolving the civil lawsuit stemming from the 2013 shooting incident.
March 1, 2017: Trial Begins for Double Homicide
The trial for the double homicide case against Aaron Hernandez, in which he was accused of killing two individuals in Boston in 2012, commenced on March 1, 2017.
April 14, 2017: Hernandez Acquitted of Double Homicide, Convicted on Gun Charge
On April 14, 2017, despite strong evidence of his involvement, Aaron Hernandez was acquitted of the 2012 double homicide. However, he was found guilty of illegal handgun possession.
April 19, 2017: Death of Aaron Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell on April 19, 2017. His death was ruled a suicide.
April 20, 2017: Discovery of Notes and Bible Verse After Hernandez's Death
On April 20, 2017, investigators revealed the presence of three handwritten notes found near a Bible opened to John 3:16 in Hernandez's cell. Additionally, the verse "John 3:16" was written on his forehead in red ink.
April 25, 2017: Motion to Vacate Conviction Filed
On April 25, 2017, following Hernandez's death, his legal team initiated a legal motion to overturn his murder conviction.
May 9, 2017: Conviction Vacated
A judge granted the motion to vacate Hernandez's murder conviction on May 9, 2017, based on the legal principle of abatement ab initio. This ruling technically rendered Hernandez innocent in the eyes of the law.
May 9, 2017: District Attorneys Plan Appeal
Following the vacation of Hernandez's conviction on May 9, 2017, Bristol County district attorneys expressed their intent to challenge the ruling.
2017: Acquittal of Double Homicide
Aaron Hernandez was acquitted of the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in 2017.
November 2018: Appeal Heard by Supreme Judicial Court
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard the appeal regarding the vacation of Hernandez's conviction in November 2018, a year after his passing.
2018: Publication of Hernandez's Notes and Baez's Account
In 2018, Jose Baez, Hernandez's attorney, published his book "Unnecessary Roughness," which included the contents of the notes found in Hernandez's cell. The book shed light on Hernandez's gratitude towards Baez, his anticipation of an appeal, and messages for his loved ones. Baez also shared his evolving perspective on Hernandez's suicide and the potential role of CTE.
2018: Hernandez's Death Ruled a Suicide; CTE Investigation Begins
In 2018, after an autopsy and despite initial doubts, Hernandez's death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging. His brain was released to Boston University for CTE research at his family's request, fueled by concerns over the degenerative brain disease found in athletes with a history of head trauma.
2018: Media Spotlight on Hernandez's Life and CTE Concerns
The life of Aaron Hernandez became a subject of intense media scrutiny, particularly following his arrest, conviction, and death, amplified by growing worries about CTE in athletes. His story was prominently featured in a 2018 investigative report by the Boston Globe's Spotlight Team and explored in a podcast titled "Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez & Football, Inc.," highlighting the complexities and tragedies surrounding his life and the broader issue of brain injuries in sports.
February 2019: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the NFL Dismissed
In February 2019, a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hernandez's fiancée and daughter against the Patriots and the NFL was dismissed. The lawsuit, alleging that Hernandez's NFL career led to severe CTE and his death, was dismissed due to a missed deadline to opt out of a class action suit against the league.
March 13, 2019: Hernandez's Conviction Reinstated; Abatement Ab Initio Ends
On March 13, 2019, the Supreme Judicial Court reinstated Hernandez's conviction, noting it was "neither affirmed nor reversed" due to his death during the appeal. This ruling also marked the end of the legal practice of abatement ab initio, deemed outdated and illogical. Hernandez's estate planned to appeal further.
2019: Conviction Reinstated and Posthumous CTE Diagnosis
Hernandez's murder conviction was vacated due to his death but was reinstated in 2019. He was also posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
January 15, 2020: Release of "Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez" Documentary
On January 15, 2020, a Netflix documentary called "Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez" was released for streaming.