The True Story of an All-American Football Hero Who Stalked and Murdered

Aaron Hernandez was a rising star in the NFL, a talented tight end for the New England Patriots. He had a bright future ahead of him, with a promising career and a loving family. But behind the facade of success lurked a dark secret: a history of violence and a capacity for unspeakable evil.

Deadly Goals: The True Story of an All-American Football Hero Who Stalked and Murdered

by Jim Bouton

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5734 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Hernandez's troubled past began in his childhood. He was raised in a rough neighborhood in Bristol, Connecticut, and witnessed domestic violence firsthand. His father, Dennis, was a convicted drug dealer who spent time in prison. His mother, Terri, struggled with addiction and mental illness. Aaron was often left to fend for himself, and he developed a short temper and a tendency towards violence.

Despite his troubled upbringing, Hernandez excelled in football. He was a star player at Bristol Central High School, and he went on to play for the University of Florida. In 2010, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round. Hernandez quickly became a valuable member of the team, and he helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2011.

But even as Hernandez's football career was taking off, his personal life was spiraling out of control. He was involved in a number of violent incidents, including a bar fight in 2012 that left a man with a fractured skull. Hernandez was also accused of witness intimidation and drug possession.

In June 2013, Hernandez's dark side fully emerged when he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating his fiancee's sister. Hernandez was convicted of murder in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The murder of Odin Lloyd shocked the nation and cast a dark shadow over Hernandez's legacy. But it also raised important questions about the role of violence and mental illness in the NFL. Hernandez had a history of head injuries, and some experts believe that he may have been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE),a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to violent behavior.

The story of Aaron Hernandez is a tragedy on many levels. It is the story of a talented athlete who was driven by violence and mental illness. It is also a story about the dark side of the NFL, and the toll that the game can take on its players.

In the years since Hernandez's death, there has been a growing awareness of the risks of CTE and other brain injuries in football. The NFL has taken steps to address the issue, but it remains to be seen whether enough is being done to protect players from the long-term effects of head injuries.

The story of Aaron Hernandez is a cautionary tale about the dangers of violence and mental illness. It is also a story about the importance of seeking help when you are struggling with these issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with violence or mental illness, please reach out for help. There are resources available to help you get the support you need.

Additional Resources

• The Atlantic: Aaron Hernandez's CTE and Suicide
• The New York Times: Aaron Hernandez Had Severe C.T.E., Study Finds
• ESPN: Aaron Hernandez's CTE worsened quickly, Boston University study finds

Deadly Goals: The True Story of an All-American Football Hero Who Stalked and Murdered

by Jim Bouton

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5734 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE