Professional football players Aaron Hernandez and Tom Brady were teammates on the New England Patriots during the early 2010s, part of a squad that won multiple Super Bowls and set historic offensive records. Hernandez, a tight end, played under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, contributing to two Super Bowl victories (XLIX, XLVI) and earning Pro Bowl selections. After Hernandez was arrested in June 2013 for murder and subsequently convicted of Odin Lloyd’s killing, the Patriots released him, and both players’ legacies became intertwined in ongoing legal and public discussions. This explainer clarifies the factual record, timelines, and verified outcomes of their relationship.
Their Time as New England Patriots Teammates
Tom Brady joined the Patriots in 2000 as a sixth-round draft pick and became the starter in 2001. Aaron Hernandez was drafted by New England in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During the 2010 through 2012 seasons, Hernandez lined up as one of Brady’s primary receivers within a high-powered offense. In that span, the Patriots reached three Super Bowls, winning two (XLVI in 2011, XLIX in 2014), with Hernandez catching touchdown passes in both championship seasons. Brady’s leadership and Hernandez’s athletic ability at a crucial position created a direct on-field connection between the two.
Patriot Team Success Metrics
| Season | Record | Playoff Result | Hernandez’s Role | Brady’s Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 14–2 | Lost Divisional Round | 17 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD | NFL MVP; led record-breaking offense |
| 2011 | 13–3 | Won Super Bowl XLVI | 12 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD | 2nd Super Bowl ring; clutch performances |
| 20212 (partial) | 12–4 | Won Super Bowl XLIX | 10 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD | 3rd Super Bowl ring; set NFL scoring record |
The Murder of Odin Lloyd and Legal Fallout
In June 2013, Hernandez was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player and friend of Hernandez’s fiancée’s sister. Prosecutors argued the killing occurred at Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. In April 2015, Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder. The conviction led to his immediate release by the Patriots and triggered an extended legal process that included a high-profile 2017 conviction for conspiracy to commit murder tied to a double-slaying in Boston, which was later vacated on jurisdictional issues. Hernandez died by suicide in prison in April 2017 while serving his life sentence.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Impact on Hernandez–Brady Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Hernados and Brady are Patriots teammates; two Super Bowl wins | Professional connection on a successful roster |
| June 17, 2013 | Hernandez arrested for Odin Lloyd murder | Permanent end to any professional relationship; public scrutiny intensifies |
| April 2015 | Hernandez convicted of Lloyd murder | Release by Patriots; Brady and Patriots distance themselves publicly |
| September 2017 | Hernandez convicted of Boston double homicide; sentence life | Reaffirmed severe legal consequences; posthumous appeal context |
| April 19, 2017 | Hernandez dies by suicide in prison |
NFL and Patriots Organization Response
Following Hernandez’s arrest, the Patriots immediately suspended him. After his murder conviction, the franchise fully cut ties with him and cooperated with the NFL investigation. Commissioner Roger Goodell oversaw a review of the league’s handling of prior domestic violence allegations tied to Hernandez. As a result, the NFL strengthened policy on domestic violence and player conduct. For Brady, no league discipline was issued, though questions about awareness and team culture persisted. The NFL’s subsequent appeal of Hernandez’s 2017 conspiracy conviction—which succeeded due to jurisdictional grounds—did not alter the foundational facts of his murder conviction for Lloyd.
Key Organizational Actions
- Patriots released Hernandez within days of his murder arrest in June 2013.
- NFL conducted a review of how Hernandez’s issues were managed previously.
- No Patriots team or league penalties were levied against Brady related to Hernandez’s crimes.
- The league updated conduct protocols and emphasized background checks and mental health resources.
Separating Verified Facts from Speculation
The relationship between Hernandez and Brady is often discussed in broad strokes, but verified evidence is narrow. What is confirmed: they were teammates; Hernandez played under Brady within Belichick’s system; Hernandez was convicted of murder; the Patriots released him; no evidence tied Brady to criminal activity. What remains unclear or unverified: whether Brady had specific knowledge of Hernandez’s intent in the Lloyd case, whether systemic team issues influenced outcomes, and whether lingering questions about the 2015 double homicide conviction affected long-term narratives. Public speculation sometimes exceeds the court record, making factual clarity essential.
Impact on Legacies
Brady’s legacy remains centered on on-field achievements, including seven Super Bowl wins and consistent high-level performance. Hernandez’s legacy is defined by his productive NFL career cut short by violence and incarceration. For the Patriots, the era underscores the importance of organizational vigilance and the complex intersection of sports, crime, and reputation. Understanding this relationship through a verified lens helps separate factual accountability from conjecture and contextualizes how two individuals on the same roster can lead to such divergent long-term narratives.
Conclusion
Aaron Hernandez and Tom Brady were connected as Patriots teammates during a successful period in New England football history. Hernandez’s criminal convictions, including murder, ended his career and life and created a lasting, complicated chapter for the franchise. Brady was never implicated in any illegal activity and continued his career, though questions about organizational awareness remain. The core facts are documented in court rulings and team actions; speculation persists but should be weighed against verifiable evidence. This explainer prioritizes what is confirmed to support informed, lasting understanding of their relationship.