Was Aaron Hernandez Gay? All About His Life, Legacy, and Speculation About His Sexuality

Aaron Hernandez, a once-promising NFL star, became infamous for his involvement in a murder trial, his time in prison, and his tragic suicide. Yet, even years after his death, questions continue to linger, particularly surrounding his sexuality. Did the New England Patriots tight end lead a secret life, and how did his personal struggles factor into the larger narrative of his life? In this biography, we delve into Hernandez’s complex journey, his career, and the ongoing speculation about his sexual identity.

The Rise of Aaron Hernandez, From High School to NFL Stardom

Aaron Hernandez and Tom Brady.
Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Aaron Hernandez was born on November 6, 1989, in Bristol, Connecticut, to Dennis and Terri Hernandez. His talent in football was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks, gaining recognition for his impressive skills. A standout at the University of Florida, Hernandez was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010, a dream come true for any young player. By 2011, he was a star tight end for the Patriots, known for his athleticism and versatility on the field.

But despite his success, Hernandez’s personal life began to unravel in the years following his NFL debut.

The Murder of Odin Lloyd and the Collapse of His Career

In 2013, Hernandez’s promising career came to an abrupt halt when he was arrested for the murder of his close friend Odin Lloyd. The crime occurred in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, and, as the investigation unfolded, it quickly became clear that Hernandez’s life off the field was far darker than anyone had imagined. His arrest led to the New England Patriots severing ties with him, a move that ended his career and put his personal life under intense scrutiny.

In 2015, Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Lloyd, which sent shockwaves through the sports world. His career and life, once filled with promise, crumbled before the public eye.

Aaron Hernandez and the Question of His Sexuality

Aaron Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins welcomes their daughter.
Source: Screenrant

One of the most compelling aspects of Hernandez’s life, which has been heavily speculated about in recent years, is his sexuality. In the wake of his death, various media outlets, documentaries, and interviews have delved into this area of his life, revealing disturbing layers of emotional and psychological turmoil.

Was Aaron Hernandez gay? This question remains a topic of heated debate, with few definitive answers. The release of documentaries like Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez have further fueled speculation about his sexuality. In one of the most poignant moments before his death, Hernandez allegedly told his mother, “Mom, you’re going to die never knowing your son.” This conversation between Hernandez and his mother is seen by many as an emotional revelation, possibly indicating that Hernandez had struggled with his sexuality for much of his life.

The Alleged Relationship with Dennis SanSoucie

While Hernandez never publicly came out, his high school friend Dennis SanSoucie revealed in 2018 that he and Hernandez had shared a sexual relationship during their middle and high school years. SanSoucie described how both he and Hernandez worked to conceal their relationship due to the fear of societal backlash, particularly within the world of sports.

In an interview, SanSoucie admitted that their closeness was part of the secret they kept. “Me and him were very much into trying to hide what we were doing,” SanSoucie said. “We didn’t want people to know.” This secrecy, he added, was likely influenced by the toxic culture of homophobia that permeated the sports community, including the NFL.

The Impact of Homophobia and Hernandez’s Struggles

Aaron Hernandez as a high school football player in 2006 at Bristol Central High School, Bristol, Conn.
Source: Dave Greenleaf/Design

Hernandez’s brother, Jonathan, shed light on the homophobic atmosphere in their home, which may have contributed to Aaron’s internalized shame about his sexuality. Jonathan described their father’s abusive behavior, which included frequent use of homophobic slurs, creating an environment where Aaron likely struggled to come to terms with his identity.

“Faggot was used all the time in our house,” Jonathan explained, reflecting on the harshness of their upbringing. “This was not acceptable to him.”

This emotional conflict, compounded by his troubled family life and the pressures of being a high-profile athlete, may have led to Hernandez’s inner turmoil, which ultimately played a significant role in his tragic downfall.

The Final Days, A Death That Sparked Further Questions

On April 19, 2017, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell, having died by suicide. His death came just days after he was acquitted of a double homicide, leaving behind a complex legacy of fame, violence, and unanswered questions. One of the most poignant aspects of his death was the speculation that Hernandez’s struggle with his sexuality may have been a factor in his emotional state and decision to end his life.

In his final moments, Hernandez left behind notes addressed to various individuals, including his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez. However, his final note to his attorney has drawn particular attention, with some suggesting that it may have been written to a supposed boyfriend from prison—though this theory remains unsubstantiated.

FAQs

Was Aaron Hernandez gay? There is significant speculation about Aaron Hernandez’s sexuality, with several individuals, including his high school friend Dennis SanSoucie, suggesting that Hernandez was involved in a sexual relationship with him during their younger years. Hernandez’s brother and other close individuals have also commented on the emotional struggles Hernandez faced, particularly concerning his sexuality.

How did Aaron Hernandez’s sexuality affect his life? Many believe that Hernandez’s struggles with his sexuality played a significant role in his emotional turmoil and inner conflict, which may have contributed to his violent behavior and eventual suicide. The homophobic culture within his family and the broader sports world likely exacerbated these challenges.

What happened in Aaron Hernandez’s final days? Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in his prison cell in April 2017, shortly after being acquitted of a double homicide charge. His final days were marked by emotional turmoil and speculation about his sexuality, with some suggesting that he may have left notes for a supposed boyfriend.

Did Aaron Hernandez have a fiancée? Yes, Aaron Hernandez was engaged to Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, with whom he had a daughter. Their relationship was part of the public narrative during his trial and in the aftermath of his death.