“No Behavior to Consider Otherwise” — Aaron Hernandez’s Fiancée Discusses NFL Players’ Sexuality in Previous Interview

FX’s recent docuseries, American Sports Story, helmed by Ryan Murphy, has rekindled public interest in the Aaron Hernandez saga, nearly ten years post-trial. The series, which is also streaming on Hulu, revolves around the former New England Patriots player accused of the murder of Odin Lloyd.

Preliminary episodes hint at Hernandez’s possible homosexuality, linking this aspect to the ongoing narrative, which has prompted renewed discussions about his sexual identity. Despite never publicly addressing these speculations, those close to Hernandez have expressed a range of perspectives on the topic.

For instance, Hernandez’s brother has recounted a heartfelt conversation where Aaron came out to their mother. Conversely, Aaron’s former fiancée, Shayana Jenkins-Hernandez, has stated in interviews and a Netflix documentary that he never portrayed any indications of being gay.

In a 2020 ABC News interview, Shayana remarked:

“To me, [Aaron] was undoubtedly a man. There was nothing in his behavior that suggested otherwise.”

What are the various viewpoints concerning Hernandez’s sexuality?

A still from the docuseries American Sports Story (via FX Networks / YouTube)

The discussion surrounding Aaron Hernandez’s sexuality remains contentious even after his passing, primarily due to varying personal accounts. Shayana Jenkins-Hernandez asserts that Aaron did not identify as gay and provided no signs to her, a sentiment echoed in her book, Unnecessary Roughness.

In her ABC News commentary, Shayana emphasized that since Hernandez is no longer alive to share his feelings, speculation about his sexuality is futile. She expressed:

“If [Aaron] experienced these feelings or inclinations, I wish he had confided in me. I would have loved him exactly the same… No one should feel ashamed of who they truly are, regardless of whom they love. It’s a beautiful thing, and I regret not being able to tell him that.”

In contrast, DJ “Jonathan” Hernandez, Aaron’s brother, discussed how his sibling may have revealed his true self to their mother, an idea he elaborated in his book and during an interview with People in 2018. He described an emotional encounter they had shortly before Aaron’s death:

“He said to her, ‘Mom, you’ll never know your son.’ After that, they shared a tearful conversation together.”

What triggered the Aaron Hernandez case that inspired American Sports Story?

The tragedy began in 2013 when the body of Odin Lloyd was discovered in an industrial park in Massachusetts, leading to Aaron Hernandez—an NFL tight end for the Patriots—being charged with first-degree murder. Following his arrest, the Patriots swiftly severed ties with Hernandez.

While Hernandez pleaded not guilty, he faced incarceration due to prior criminal charges. Tragically, on April 19, 2017, he was found dead in his prison cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center.

The docuseries American Sports Story delves into the narrative surrounding Odin Lloyd’s murder and Hernandez’s subsequent imprisonment. Viewers can stream this gripping series on Hulu and other partner platforms across different regions.

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