Ryan Murphy's latest project, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, delves into the heartbreaking narrative of the NFL star whose life spiraled into chaos. Known for his explosive talent on the field, Hernandez was a standout tight end at the University of Florida, where he helped secure a college championship in 2009. Entering the NFL at just 20, he quickly transformed the tight end role, securing a $40 million contract and reaching the Super Bowl. Tragically, his destructive tendencies ultimately overshadowed his athletic prowess. In 2017, at age 27, Hernandez was found dead in prison, serving a life sentence for the murder of a close friend. His dramatic decline echoed the media frenzy surrounding O.J. Simpson, making him a compelling subject for Murphy's exploration.
This limited series, comprised of ten episodes, is created and executive produced by Stuart Zicherman, known for The Americans. It offers a fictionalized portrayal of Hernandez's tumultuous life, following a wave of journalistic projects that emerged after his death by suicide, shortly after being acquitted in a double homicide case. The narrative draws from a six-part investigation by the Boston Globe's acclaimed Spotlight team, which illuminates Hernandez's troubled upbringing and tumultuous teenage years.
The series benefits from contributions by reporters from the Spotlight team, enhancing its authenticity, particularly with insights from former NFL player and TV analyst Domonique Foxworth, who played against Hernandez and advocated for him during his tenure with the players' union. While highlights from Hernandez's career add depth, fans may critique actors for not perfectly resembling their real-life counterparts. Patrick Schwarzenegger faces scrutiny for his portrayal of Tim Tebow, though he captures the character's notable traits. Meanwhile, Josh Andrés Rivera convincingly embodies Hernandez, especially as the narrative focuses on his darker, introspective moments, inviting viewers into his troubled psyche.
Hernandez's struggles with mental health and substance use are central to the narrative. After his death, scientists diagnosed him with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. This diagnosis, which was revealed posthumously, suggested that severe brain damage likely influenced his impulsivity and emotional regulation.
The series does not shy away from exploring Hernandez's sexual identity, particularly following the revelation of a suicide note addressed to a male lover. The ensuing media speculation raises questions about his closeted bisexuality. While his family feared that he may have committed murder to conceal his sexual orientation, Hernandez's fiancée insists he never expressed such feelings to her.
Zicherman and his team delve into the complexities of Hernandez's character, using his familial relationships and struggles with identity to critique the underlying homoeroticism in male sports culture. The series skillfully intertwines Hernandez's difficult upbringing, including an abusive father and feelings of abandonment, painting him not just as a cautionary tale, but as a tragic figure in American history.
American Sports Story is a poignant and challenging watch, prompting reflections on what might have been for Hernandez while illustrating the inevitability of his tragic fate.