FX Premieres American Sports Story: Hernandez

FX has premiered 'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez', a 10-part series exploring the rise and fall of the former NFL star, who went from a $40 million contract with the New England Patriots to a conviction for murder. The series, produced by Ryan Murphy and based on the podcast 'Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.', delves into Hernandez's troubled life, including his struggles with identity, substance abuse, and a history of brain trauma. Actor Josh Andres Rivera portrays Hernandez, revealing his complex character as both a talented athlete and a man grappling with his sexuality in a homophobic environment. The series also examines the impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on Hernandez, which was diagnosed posthumously. Following his conviction for killing Odin Lloyd in 2015, Hernandez died by suicide in prison in 2017, a tragedy that casts a long shadow over his legacy. 'American Sports Story' aims to provide a nuanced perspective on Hernandez's life and the broader implications for sports culture and mental health.