How many people did Aaron Hernandez kill? Exploring the controversial history of the late Patriots TE

Former New England Patriots tight end and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez killed at least one person, Odin L. Lloyd. It is further speculated that the former college standout also murdered at least two other individuals. However, he was only convicted of one killing at the time of his suicide, and no other criminal offense can be recorded against him following his death.

No one knows whether Hernandez was responsible for the double murders of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, who were slain in a drive-by shooting in Boston's South End. However, there are hints that Hernandez was at least partly responsible for the hits.

Then there's the Alexander Bradley shooting at Riviera Beach, Florida, a couple of hours after spending an evening with Hernandez at a Miami strip club.

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The Controversial History of Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez has always had a checkered past, a key reason he fell down the draft board in the 2010 NFL draft. Talent-wise, he was far and away the most natural tight end in his draft class. But he sure had some major attitude problems.

Hernandez faced numerous suspensions while playing college football at the University of Florida. It was so bad that the school's coaching team told him he wouldn't be welcomed for his final year of college eligibility, so he better declare for the NFL draft. He had many issues at home, such as attitude problems, drug abuse, and other challenges.

He nonetheless took these issues to the NFL. Even the privilege of being drafted by the uber-successful New England Patriots couldn't quell his thirst for controversy. He had a bad habit of visiting the hood, spinning the block, and hanging out with the wrong crowd.

There were fights, missed training sessions, and, most worryingly, the murder allegations. Credit to Bill Belichick and the Patriots organization for sticking with their embattled young star, but even they had enough at some stage.

Aaron Hernandez played his last game for the Patriots on January 20, 2013. He put up a stat line of 175 receptions, 1,956 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns in 38 regular-season career games.

Aaron Hernandez was convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd on April 15, 2015, and was subsequently given life in prison. He didn't spend anything close to life in prison, as he committed suicide on April 19, 2017. This marked the end of Aaron Hernandez's tortuous existence and represented a sad case of wasted potential.

He was part of one of the most talented tight end duos in NFL history alongside Rob Gronkowski. However, he couldn't escape trouble, eventually making an unforgivable mistake.