You might be a big NFL fan, and for some, "American Sports Story" is a series full of all the intense competition on and off the field that's always gripping, but one aspect that the series touches upon is how even an NFL star could struggle! Fans get an interesting glimpse into the lives of players like Aaron Hernandez and what led him to being a key member of the New England Patriots.
American Sports Story
FX put together a really interesting miniseries called "American Sports Story" that examines some intense storylines.
This FX series looks at the life Hernandez. There were high expectations for him going into the NFL as a great Tight End. There is more to this than just how successful his NFL career became.
The series has a large cast, giving us a peek into his entire journey and the players he went on to compete against in 2010!
What was interesting is how Hernandez didn't become a first-round draft pick and this brought up plenty of questions and concerns as he struggled to find the support to deal with his challenging issues. This show gave a lot of attention to his mental state and his abilities! What was truly unique about this particular case! It looks like fans were drawn into this narrative because they get a chance to understand why he had a downward spiral. It looks to shed light about his transition from becoming one of the top collegiate players. However, things took a dark turn.
Fans might know the rest. That Hernandez had a tragic past with murder charges and a death that was incredibly shocking for fans, which added this compelling perspective that would change things forever. Hernandez is portrayed in the show as a really skilled and gifted tight end!
The NFL Draft
If you don't understand the big hype about the NFL Draft, it's a big event, giving the most promising athletes the opportunity to really make an impression. Hernandez was a powerhouse player as he led his University of Florida "Gators." and this brought about plenty of excitement!
- He became an award winner for John Mackey, the tight end for college football! But he lost his chances of becoming a first-round pick in the NFL draft.
- This was also in 2010. This wasn't the entire story!
This part is where the series brings in the impact of his struggles in an amazingly real and true way that gives us a behind the scenes look! The show details how Hernandez's problems that would come up throughout his life.
While his success might have come in the form of a fourth-round draft pick! The Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick were excited to get someone with such powerful skills but there was more to the story. His journey into the NFL wasn't so clearcut, making him a story for the ages.
The Power of Brian Murphy
To go further in this story you also get an inspiring view into the world of what it's like to be an agent who looks to support his clients in navigating a career full of excitement but even tough realities.
- Brian Murphy played a key part, he helped Hernandez navigate some complex decisions about what to do next, during the NFL draft.
- Murphy also was the CEO of an incredibly big agency known as "Athletes First"!
It seems Hernandez did an amazing job when it comes to his talent for football, Murphy did a fantastic job to make him see those opportunities that might get lost because Hernandez was not the type of player who could always be the "poster child." There was a concern with how Hernandez would deal with these big expectations!
To try and give an in-depth, well-balanced understanding of his complex world as he enters into this next step, Hernandez went on to do a series of assessments. This meant understanding those who had these special, in-depth qualities!
- One test that was made to get a look at Hernandez was the "Wonderlic Test" that gave a more standardized way to gauge those players entering into the NFL.
- Hernandez had another test done and this really gave some insight!
- There was an assessment to try to measure up his maturity in this new setting. The "SIGMA Motivation" was the tool for analyzing that!
Hernandez made his big step into the world of professional football!
The Tight Ends
If you want to dive into this complex world, the NFL draft, and the players who were selected at that time, you are in for a special treat! There are plenty of other athletes with the talent and passion for the game! These athletes could have been playing alongside Hernandez.
- You had a super standout performance in the first round, by Jermaine Gresham as the tight end selected with the 21st overall pick! It didn't stop there, Gresham had his career set up with an incredible contract! In his first few years, Gresham played in the "Cincinnati Bengals"
Now let's continue through some of the big name Tight Ends:
- Rob Gronkowski was picked in the second round! In that position, he made history with New England Patriots, taking them to championships!
- Ed Dickson, with the 70th pick, making his entrance into the Baltimore Ravens for a very exciting stint!
- With the 93rd overall pick, Tony Moeaki entered into the league and would go on to play for a multitude of teams.
- Jimmy Graham, one of the best to make his mark! Was the 95th overall pick, in the third round and ended up signing on with the New Orleans Saints.
What's cool is these are just some of those talented athletes that were in "American Sports Story." It showed so many of those who really gave everything! It's an intriguing glimpse into this world. That not all great NFL athletes reach the height that was expected. You are able to learn about the highs and lows that they've gone through, in some remarkable ways!
While Hernandez has a dark and heartbreaking past that makes his journey worth thinking about. There's an important reminder that this is not always the path of every NFL athlete. Many of those who had the chance to make a name for themselves really show the power of this amazing sport, with these incredible performances!
What really stands out, is that American Sports Story has more to offer in terms of behind-the-scenes stories that keep audiences interested. It may make viewers more invested in a show that brings a really personal and fascinating glimpse into what might look like a great opportunity, but how someone can struggle as they face those challenges! It looks like there will be lots of these stories from the past and we'll be watching to see what else will come in the upcoming weeks and seasons.
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