Aaron Hernandez Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez was brought into court following his arrest for the murder of Odin Lloyd, 2013. (more) Aaron Hernandez NFL football player and convicted murderer Written by Jason Tuohey Jason Tuohey Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 6, 2026 •History Aaron Hernandez was drafted into the NFL in 2010, at the age of 20. At 27, he was found dead from suicide in a prison cell. In the few years between, he became a professional football star with the New England Patriots, caught a touchdown from Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI, signed a $40 million contract, was convicted of first-degree murder, received a sentence of life in prison, and was acquitted in a separate...

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