The rise and fall of former NFL star Aaron Hernandez have been extensively covered through various mediums, from podcasts to documentaries. The FX limited series, “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” is the latest addition to this documentation, aiming to delve deeper into his story beyond what was highlighted in headlines.
Actor Josh Andrés Rivera takes on the role of Hernandez in the series, portraying his troubled childhood marked by an abusive father who enforced football as a means for his son to showcase toughness and masculinity to the world, while Hernandez grappled with his sexuality in secret. The show traces his journey from playing college football at the University of Florida to being drafted by the New England Patriots, showcasing how his behavior gradually descended into erraticism leading to his conviction for murder and eventual suicide in 2017 while in prison.
Executive producer Brad Simpson expressed the series’ mission to uncover the human story behind the sensationalized headlines surrounding Hernandez’s life. This narrative approach seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in the lives of all individuals connected to the saga.
Hernandez’s life and tragic events have been previously explored through writings, documentaries like Netflix’s “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez,” and the podcast “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.,” which serves as the basis for the “American Sports Story.” Rivera, taking on the demanding role, acknowledged the responsibility it carried and emphasized the necessity of approaching it with sensitivity.
Rivera, known for his roles in various productions, delved into Hernandez’s life by immersing himself in prison call recordings and interviews, unraveling the intricate layers of the former NFL player’s persona. To him, Hernandez’s charm and complexity were captivating, providing a challenging character portrayal opportunity.
Portraying Hernandez necessitated a physical transformation for Rivera, involving rigorous training to attain an NFL physique and the challenging process of replicating Hernandez’s tattoos for filming. The actor’s portrayal extends to exploring Hernandez’s relationships, including his high school sweetheart portrayed by Jaylen Barron and other significant figures in his life depicted by a talented ensemble cast.
The creators of “American Sports Story” aim to dissect the cultural impact of football in American society through Hernandez’s story, prompting viewers to reevaluate their preconceptions about individuals involved in such high-profile cases. Rivera highlighted the series’ potential to challenge fixed mindsets and introduce nuanced perspectives to those unfamiliar with the case, offering an intriguing opportunity for viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level.