American Sports Story: Decoding Aaron Hernandez's Jersey Number Changes

The Netflix series American Sports Story has everyone talking about Aaron Hernandez. It covers the rise and fall of this NFL star's life! While many people focus on just the football parts of the show, there are actually some super interesting moments throughout the series, that include a small but symbolic element about the number on his jersey! This might cause a little confusion but when the facts are clear it becomes clear this wasn't an oversight!

Jersey Number Change:

Many NFL fans watch this series! What really makes people want to see more is that Josh Rivera really delivers a strong performance in the American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez season.

But you're about to learn about the change in Hernandez's jersey! What makes things confusing at first is that we see the number changing during his stint as a New England Patriot. But before you go thinking this was just an error, it really wasn't a mistake! The writers gave this specific detail a strong intention! It makes the American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez storyline even more gripping. This all came about after the 5th episode in season 1 was shown to the public.

Also Read: American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez - True Crime Docuseries Explores NFL Tragedy

From 85 to 81:

Josh Rivera as Aaron Hernandez in American Sports Story Image

To explain the changes better let's explain that Hernandez's jersey number switched between 85 and 81. 85 was assigned to him, a unique start for the series!

It really had this great feeling as Hernandez began to leave the dark part of his life, but when you dig a bit deeper you realize just how Hernandez is evolving. Even if he's still showing off his incredible talent!

Also Read: American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez - True Crime NFL Series

The Reason For The Switch:

Aaron Hernandez hugging his coach in American Sports Story Image

The writers made some interesting decisions about what really creates a powerful series. Chad Ochocinco was brought to NFL's Patriots in 2011!

He's already well-known in this universe and for fans who know this legend. The switch that you see is the symbol of respect. A star player gave his number to another person!

And while many NFL players may show appreciation for this number, Ochocinco may have taken his appreciation to the extreme! The reason his nickname had the number "8". Because Ochocinco changed his name to show his love for this number. But while many NFL players take this seriously! What was really unique is how Hernandez gave away his jersey!

However, if this doesn't get you curious about Hernandez's journey and the details about the series! It gets a bit more intriguing. For many that really want to learn about what makes this a remarkable tale, there's some time-shifting happening too.

Also Read: American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez - The Tim Tebow Casting Debate

The Double Meaning:

For fans that want more than just a tale about football, Hernandez did actually wear number 81 before! In college!

The show seems to intentionally place the two jersey numbers in specific time points that hint to how the main character, Hernandez, has shifted his actions throughout the series!

85 reflects his hopes and new positive life.
The return to 81 brings a look into his college days! But, at the time it becomes more difficult to look forward.

What we see from Hernandez is that the pressures of being in the public, an inability to fully live authentically, his physical injury that makes him not perform at his very best! The pressure and frustration make his descent incredibly real and may provide viewers an even better opportunity to consider some of the most challenging parts of dealing with being in the public. In fact, it becomes even more moving in showing the viewers the real difficulties.

Also Read: American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez's Journey from NFL Star to Tragedy

American Sports Story: A Powerful Take:

It's so amazing how this was made. A special piece was made from this true story. For viewers of this show the talents that Rivera shows to capture Hernandez's story. Not only that but also shows viewers the reality of dealing with public and media scrutiny.

The show brought in another remarkable element- that American Sports Story brought in actors who could have very well been athletes!

It gives a compelling layer of understanding and a taste of that athletic spirit. If you are an NFL or a sports fan this might just become your new favorite show!

What American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez created may have sparked even bigger conversations about what a life in the public eye might really look like! The fact that the show took a serious approach made the whole story truly impactful, with an emotional take of showing some truly compelling struggles of some incredibly recognizable figures. This doesn't end with this particular case. It might bring viewers in to start appreciating just how important it is to acknowledge the bigger struggles and show how truly compelling the whole story was made!