Aaron Hernandez’s Rise and Fall: How He Overcame a Tough Childhood to Become a Football Superstar Then Lost It All in a Cycle of Violence

The shocking suicide of disgraced NFL star Aaron Hernandez served as a cold reminder that the 27-year-old convicted murderer once had a promising future. As a member of the 2008 University of Florida national championship football team, the 19-year-old tight end was playing alongside future NFL players like Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, Deonte Thompson and Mike Pouncey. “Aaron stood out, even among the football players.” says classmate Katie Benson Sears.