Aaron Hernandez: Drugs, CTE, and the Tragic Fall of an NFL Star

Aaron Hernandez’s story would have been an all-American sports story if it were not for his conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd. It has been suggested that his family life and his sports career have contributed to this violent turn of events in an otherwise inspiring career.

So, what exactly happened to Aaron Hernandez? In this article, we shall explore his story - his rise and his tragic fall.

Who Was Aaron Hernandez? A Look at His Early Life and NFL Career

We know Aaron Hernandez as the NFL star whose career became marred by the use of drugs and violence. But to better understand how it came to this, we need to go back to the beginning. Hernandez came from an unstable and abusive household where he witnessed his father abuse his mother, only to lose him just as his career was taking off. His mother went on to date her cousin’s husband and had him move in with them. This kind of life led Hernandez to alcohol, marijuana, and other criminal activities from a very young age.

But amidst all this turmoil were some amazing athletic skills to die for. During his time at Bristol Central High School in Connecticut, Hernandez played different sports and positions. But it was as a tight end in football that his career began to take shape when he was roped in to play for the University of Florida in the team, the Florida Gators. He played his first college season as a Gator and went on to play 40 career games with them. It was during this time that his father passed away, and those who knew him then saw firsthand the kind of emotional impact it had on him.

His career as a Florida Gator set some records for the University of Florida, regardless of which he did not come back for the fourth season. His coach did not want him back, given his use of marijuana and frequent absences. By the end of his college year, he decided to turn pro by declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft after the 2009 college football season, and was drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Hernandez went on to play for the New England Patriots for 3 seasons and was key to them getting into the Super Bowl XVLI in 2012. While he was consistent in his performance, New England lost the game. But here is where the tragedy begins.

Call Design for Recovery to Begin Your Healing Journey!

Talk to our caring professionals today and take the first step toward living a fulfilling, addiction-free life.

(424) 242-1130

What Role Did Drugs Play in Aaron Hernandez’s Downfall?

In 2013, everything seemed just peachy for Aaron Hernandez. He was doing well in his NFL career, was engaged, and even had a child with his fiancée. This is when the world received a jolt - we got to know that this NFL star was being investigated for the murder of the football player, Odin Lloyd. A jogger found the body of Lloyd with gunshot wounds in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, only a mile away from Hernandez's home. At the time, Lloyd was dating Hernandez’s fiancée Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez’s sister.

Many did not know that Hernandez was suffering from a very severe condition of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain injury that is common among football players. He was only diagnosed with it after his death, at which point it was too late. To add to this, he was also taking marijuana and the painkiller Toradol.

Marijuana is problematic on its own, but Toradol, often overused in football to push through the pain, is questionable as well. While Hernandez did fail a drug test owing to marijuana use during his time as a Gator, he was known to have taken more tests than any other player during his NFL career. Likely Aaron Hernandez steroids use and evident drug use were of great interest during his trial; however, experts say that drugs like marijuana or even Toradol do not lead to violent crimes like murder, but using marijuana along with prescription medication can lead to some unknown side effects.

Understanding CTE: How Brain Trauma May Have Contributed

Hernandez struggled with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which refers to a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the build-up of tau proteins in the brain cells. It is common in traumatic injuries linked with sports like the NFL. Basically, where there are repeated blows to the head.

Experts who were able to study Hernandez’s brain said it was one of the worst cases of CTE they had seen in someone so young. Hernandez was, after all, only 23 years old at the time of the murder and 27 years old when he died. CTE can lead to emotional and behavioral deficits, which, in turn, lead to changes in personality and lowered inhibitions.

But did CTE play a role in his murdering Lloyd? Violence and murder are egregiously bad actions in themselves, and yes, CTE may have played a role, but not on its own. Coupled with Hernandez’s traumatic family history as well as his past of aggressive and hostile behavior? It may have indeed contributed, but we are still not at a point to answer this question with an unequivocal yes or no.

Contact Design For Recovery Through Our Form!

Fill out a quick form to connect with specialists and explore personalized paths to lasting recovery.

Start Your Recovery

Aaron Hernandez's Final Days: What Really Happened?

Hernandez was given a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd, and he was serving his life sentence at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts. He said he found religion and contentment while in jail and said he was far more at peace in jail than if he had been outside.

But on April 19th, 2017, just five days after he was acquitted of murder charges in the 2012 Boston double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, Hernandez was found hanging with bedsheets from a window of his prison cell.

It was later found that he was using K2, a drug linked with psychosis. His fellow inmate said that he had been smoking synthetic cannabinoids over the last two days as well. He was also found to have suffered from Stage 3 CTE during the time of his death, with Stage 4 being the most severe. Regardless, fellow inmates told police that nothing about Hernandez told them that he was suicidal. His fiancée even told Dr. Phil McGraw of Dr. Phil fame that Hernandez was upbeat in their final conversation, which led her to believe it was not a suicide.

Nevertheless, Aaron Hernandez cause of death was ruled as a suicide by hanging. While he achieved much fame and much more notoriety during his lifetime, he was only 27 years old when he died. His death shed light on the ill effects of CTE among athletes, and it has opened the doorway to a much-needed conversation regarding the impact of injuries, particularly traumatic injuries, on athletes’ well-being ever since.

Lessons from Aaron Hernandez’s Life for Those Struggling with Addiction

In the conversation about CTE, Hernandez’s struggle with addiction often gets overlooked. But it must also be noted that Hernandez used marijuana and Toradol during his career to the point that he once allegedly told his former teammate, “For real, weed and Toradol — that’s all you need, baby!” We also know that he used a dangerous drug called K2 before his death.

But what is said and quite telling is that we do not have any evidence to say that Hernandez received the care he needed for drug use. Contrast this with another NFL star, Darren Waller, who, after having faced two suspensions and a near-fatal overdose, turned his life around with a 30-day rehabilitation (rehab). The differing tales of these two NFL stars show just how much of a difference treatment can make for a person.

Every life teaches us a story. While many say that Aaron Hernandez’s light went out a bit too fast, we know from other success stories that no matter how dire, a substance use disorder (SUD) is treatable. With advancements in treatment and holistic care options right within your grasp, if you are struggling with a SUD, you only need to reach out. Comprehensive care options involving detoxification (detox), psychotherapy, medication management, 12-step recovery programs, relapse prevention tools, and sober living facilities can enable you to achieve a lasting recovery and a sober life.

What Can We Learn From This Tragedy About Substance Use and Mental Health?

Aaron Hernandez struggled with substance use, aggression, hostility, CTE, and other mental health challenges all his life. While we cannot tell one way or the other how his story would have played out if he had taken the decision to recover before it was too late, we know that substance use and mental health challenges only get worse if not treated. In fact, early detection and intervention always improve the outlook.

Therefore, if you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, mental health disorders, or a dual diagnosis of both, it is never too late to reach out to licensed and trained mental health providers who will craft personalized treatment plans to provide you with the tools and skills you need to overcome your behavioral health challenges and journey toward a life of joy, meaning, and fulfillment.