A deep dive into ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’

Unveiling the dark side of sports

FX’s latest series, “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” is set to premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 17. This new addition to the Ryan Murphy universe, known for its gripping storytelling, promises to delve into the complex and tragic life of former NFL star Aaron Hernandez. The show is a spinoff of Murphy’s acclaimed “American Horror Story” franchise, and it aims to re-examine significant events involving sports figures, starting with Hernandez’s tumultuous journey.

The rise and fall of Aaron Hernandez

From the field to the courtroom

Josh Rivera stars as Aaron Hernandez, a once-celebrated tight end for the New England Patriots who later became infamous for his criminal activities. Hernandez’s life took a dark turn in 2013 when he was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a man dating his fiancée’s sister. Convicted of first-degree murder in 2015, Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison. His story took another tragic twist when he was acquitted of a 2012 double murder in 2017, only to die by suicide days later. Posthumously, he was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head injuries.

The cast and their roles

The series features a stellar cast portraying key figures in Hernandez’s life:

Josh Rivera as Aaron Hernandez: Known for his role in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” Rivera brings depth to the portrayal of Hernandez, capturing his troubled past and complex personality.
Ross Jirgl as Tom Brady: Jirgl, from “Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch,” plays the legendary Patriots quarterback who shared the field with Hernandez.
Laith Wallschleger as Rob Gronkowski: Wallschleger, seen in “Operation Dagon,” portrays the former Patriots tight end and Hernandez’s teammate.
Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow: Schwarzenegger, from “Gen V,” takes on the role of Tebow, Hernandez’s college roommate and teammate.
Norbert Leo Butz as Bill Belichick: Butz, known for “The Exorcist: Believer,” plays the Patriots’ head coach who had a complicated relationship with Hernandez.
Tony Yazbeck as Urban Meyer: Yazbeck, from “Billions,” portrays Hernandez’s college coach at the University of Florida.
Jerry Levine as Robert Kraft: Levine, seen in “Hawaii Five-0,” plays the Patriots’ owner who had a close relationship with Hernandez.
Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez: Barron, from “Blindspotting,” portrays Hernandez’s fiancée and the mother of his child.
Tammy Blanchard as Terri Hernandez: Blanchard, known for “Into The Woods,” plays Hernandez’s mother.
Ean Castellanos as D.J. Hernandez: Castellanos, from “Five Days at Memorial,” portrays Hernandez’s brother.
Lindsay Mendez as Tanya Singleton: Mendez, seen in “WPRI,” plays Hernandez’s cousin.
Thomas Sadoski as Brian Murphy: Sadoski, from “The Newsroom,” portrays Hernandez’s former agent.
Scot Ruggles as Steve Addazio: Ruggles, known for “All American,” plays Hernandez’s college assistant coach.

The impact of CTE on athletes

The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the devastating effects of CTE on athletes. Hernandez’s posthumous diagnosis sheds light on the long-term consequences of repeated head injuries, a topic that has sparked significant debate in the sports community. The portrayal of Hernandez’s struggles with mental health and his violent behavior offers a poignant commentary on the need for better support systems for athletes.

Personal reflections and deeper insights

As a fan of both cinema and sports, I find “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” to be a compelling exploration of the darker side of fame and athleticism. The series not only recounts Hernandez’s tragic story but also raises important questions about the pressures faced by professional athletes. The inclusion of real-life figures like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski adds authenticity to the narrative, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts.

For those interested in diving deeper into the story, you can watch the trailer for American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez and explore more about the series.

Final thoughts

“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” is more than just a retelling of a tragic tale; it’s a critical examination of the intersection between sports, mental health, and the criminal justice system. The series promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the Ryan Murphy universe, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the complexities of fame and the human condition. Whether you’re a fan of sports, true crime, or compelling drama, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression.