Ryan Murphy’s television legacy continues to grow with a poignant look at the tragic life of NFL star Aaron Hernandez, who ultimately became a murderer.
Once hailed as a rising football phenom, Aaron Hernandez was a versatile, fast, and powerful tight end who captivated fans nationwide. He made headlines during his time at the University of Florida, helping to secure a college championship in 2009. Just one year later, at the age of 20, he entered the NFL, redefining the tight end position and earning a Super Bowl appearance along with a lucrative $40 million contract extension. Yet, his immense talent was overshadowed by a dark and destructive side. Hernandez was found dead in 2017 at the age of 27 while serving a life sentence for the murder of a close friend. His dramatic fall from grace mirrored the saga of O.J. Simpson, making it clear why Ryan Murphy has chosen to focus on his story.
This week sees the debut of “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” a gripping 10-part limited series produced under Murphy’s banner. Created and executive produced by Stuart Zicherman, known for his work on “The Americans,” this series represents the first fictional portrayal of Hernandez’s life following a barrage of journalistic pieces that surfaced after his suicide—just days after he was acquitted in a separate double homicide case. It takes inspiration from a six-part investigative report by the Boston Globe’s renowned Spotlight team, exploring Hernandez’s troubled upbringing and adolescence.
To enhance the series’ authenticity, it features contributions from two reporters from the Spotlight team. Additionally, voices from within the NFL community, including Domonique Foxworth, a former player and current analyst, add depth to the narrative. Foxworth, who faced Hernandez on the field and advocated for him during his tenure with the players’ union, provides an insider’s perspective. The show incorporates highlights from Hernandez’s playing career, striving for a credible portrayal, even though fans sometimes critique the casting for not closely resembling their sports idols. Reflecting on FX’s previous sports-themed productions, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who plays Tim Tebow, is likely to get more jokes about his famous dad than accolades for his performance, though he effectively captures Tebow’s “muscular Christianity.”
Josh Andrés Rivera, celebrated for his breakout role in “The Hunger Games,” brings a compelling performance as Hernandez, especially as the series delves deeper into his dark and troubled psyche. The series employs close-up shots to immerse viewers in Hernandez’s world, illustrating the chaos that led to his rage, paranoia, and eventual marijuana addiction. Hernandez himself reportedly confessed, “Every time I was on the field I was high on weed.”
Following Hernandez’s death, an examination of his brain revealed that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a condition linked to repeated head trauma, which can only be diagnosed posthumously. Research from Boston University identified the most severe case of CTE in a person his age, likely affecting his decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
CTE may, in fact, symbolize Hernandez’s decline, reminiscent of other NFL legends like Dave Duerson and Junior Seau. However, the narrative takes a more intense turn with the emergence of a suicide note addressed to his jailhouse lover, sparking speculation about Hernandez’s struggles with his identity as a closeted bisexual man. Following his death, an investigative journalist brought this issue to light on a Boston talk show, prompting Hernandez’s brother to voice concerns that this concealed aspect of his life may have contributed to his violent behavior. In contrast, Hernandez’s fiancée, who is also the mother of his daughter, insists he never showed any bisexual tendencies.
Zicherman and his team don’t shy away from exploring Hernandez’s sexual identity; instead, they place it front and center, using family dynamics to critique the underlying homoeroticism prevalent in male sports culture. For those willing to see beyond a typical Hollywood agenda, the storytelling intricately weaves emotional layers throughout this sports narrative. The complexities of Hernandez’s strained relationship with his abusive father, the feelings of abandonment he faced after his college career ended, and his disassociative episodes during NFL interviews paint a compelling picture of a deeply troubled individual, elevating Hernandez from a mere cautionary tale to a tragic American myth.
Much like the game of football, “American Sports Story” offers a tough viewing experience, leaving audiences wishing for a different outcome for Hernandez. It underscores a sobering reality: he was tragically doomed from the outset.
“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” airs weekly on FX and is available the following day on Hulu in the U.S., with a UK airing date yet to be announced.
