Lasting Legacy of Aaron Hernandez: A Look at the Influence on History

Updated: November 15, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Aaron Hernandez—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

April 25, 2017: Lawyers File Motion to Vacate Murder Conviction

On April 25, 2017, Aaron Hernandez's lawyers filed a motion to vacate his murder conviction at Massachusetts Superior Court in Fall River.

May 9, 2017: Murder Conviction Vacated

On May 9, 2017, Aaron Hernandez's murder conviction was vacated due to the legal principle of abatement ab initio.

May 9, 2017: District Attorneys Plan to Appeal Ruling

As of May 9, 2017, the Bristol County district attorneys stated they planned to appeal the ruling to vacate Aaron Hernandez's conviction, potentially to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. The Lloyd family was disappointed, though their attorney didn't expect it to affect their wrongful death civil suit.

November 2018: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Hearing

In November 2018, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard the appeal regarding Aaron Hernandez's vacated conviction, with the Lloyd family's attorney arguing against the cancellation of the conviction.

2018: Focus of Media Attention

In 2018, Aaron Hernandez's life was the focus of a Boston Globe Spotlight Team investigation and a podcast called "Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez & Football, Inc.", due to increasing concerns about CTE in athletes.

2018: Baez's Investigation and Belief in Suicide

In 2018, Jose Baez wrote that he was initially suspicious of the suicide finding, but later came to believe that Aaron Hernandez had taken his own life, with CTE being a major contributing factor.

2018: Contents of Suicide Notes Revealed

In 2018, Jose Baez, Aaron Hernandez's attorney, reprinted the contents of the notes in his book Unnecessary Roughness. The letters were addressed to Baez, his fiancée, and daughter.

February 2019: Lawsuit Dismissal

In February 2019, the lawsuit filed by Aaron Hernandez's fiancée and daughter against the Patriots and the NFL was dismissed due to a missed deadline to opt out of a class action suit. Hernandez was one of at least 345 NFL players diagnosed with CTE after death.

March 13, 2019: Supreme Judicial Court Reinstates Conviction

On March 13, 2019, the Supreme Judicial Court reinstated Aaron Hernandez's conviction, officially ending the practice of abatement ab initio. Hernandez's estate vowed to appeal the ruling further.