WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Sports Story.
FX’sAmerican Sports Storyfeatures Aaron Hernandez running several rushing plays during his NFL rookie season. Throughout the first five episodes ofAmerican Sports Story, a dramatized version of Aaron Hernandez’s true story has been loosely chronicledfrom his adolescence to his rapid rise as one of the NFL’s top tight ends. Thefirst two episodes ofAmerican Sports Storycapture a basic understanding ofAaron Hernandez’s complicated upbringingin Bristol, Connecticut.American Sports Storyportrays several NFL playersas well asHernandez’s close friends and family members.
Josh Andrés Rivera leads thecast ofAmerican Sports Storyas Aaron Hernandez. The series also features performances by Norbert Leo Butz (Bloodline) as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Gen V) as former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. The series portrays some of the major highs, such as winningthe prestigious John Mackey Award, and the lows, such as themurder trial of Odin Lloydand thealleged shooting of a man named Sherrod, in Hernandez’s tragic true story.American Sports Storyepisode 5showcasesHernandez’s impact as a rookie on the New England Patriots.
American Sports Storyis now streaming on Hulu.
He averaged 15.67 yards on three rushing attempts
American Sports Storystrangely exaggerates Aaron Hernandez’s few running plays in his NFL rookie season and makes it seem like he did it all the time. In reality, Hernandez had zero rushing attempts against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2010 season, meaningAmerican Sports Storycompletely made up the scene in which he is stopped at the line of scrimmage on a rushing attempt against the Colts. Hernandez hadthree rushing attempts in 2010 for an impressive average of 15.67 yards per attempt.
Every Tight End Drafted Before Aaron Hernandez In 2010
As portrayed in American Sports Story episode 4, Aaron Hernandez wasn’t selected in the 2010 NFL Draft until the 4th round as the 113th overall pick.
American Sports Storyalso randomly jumps ahead from when Terri Hernandez was stabbed in June 2010 to the Patriots' divisional round playoff game against the Denver Broncos on June 22, 2025.American Sports Storyepisode 5 depicts Hernandez rushing for a 43-yard gain against the Broncosin a 2012 playoff game, which did happen, but the lack of clarity in the series makes it seem like it was part of his rookie season. Sharp viewers will notice that Hernandez’s number changes from 85, which he wore in his rookie season, to 81 in the Broncos scene.
American Sports Story Embelishes Hernandez’s Running Back Role
Hernandez’s career regular season rushing stats include 9 total rushing attempts for 97 yards with 6 first downs and 0 touchdowns. Because it’s so unusual for a tight end to run the ball in the NFL,Hernandez does rank in the top 20 tight ends for all-time rushing yardsbased on regular season statistics alone. His 43-yard run against the Broncos was by far the longest of his career. He also had a rare 8 rushing attempts in that game against the Broncos and his former teammate Tim Tebow. While Hernandez’s career rushing attempts were of note, the emphasis on them inAmerican Sports Storyis odd since he didn’t do it much.
Aaron Hernandez’s NFL Contracts Explained: Rookie, Extension & Total Earnings
Aaron Hernandez received a big contract extension from the New England Patriots following his notable Super Bowl XLVI performance in 2012.
