A Closer Look at DJ Hernandez: The Unfolding Story Behind Aaron Hernandez’s Brother
The series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez shines a spotlight not only on the life of Aaron Hernandez but also introduces a dramatized portrayal of his older sibling, Dennis “DJ”Hernandez. Ean Castellanos takes on the role of DJ, who significantly influenced Aaron’s early life. Tensions arose between the brothers when Aaron opted for a place at the University of Florida instead of joining DJ at UConn, which added complexity to their relationship depicted in the show.
DJ Hernandez experienced a noteworthy college football career, participating for five seasons at UConn. He began as a quarterback for the first three years before transitioning to wide receiver during his final two seasons. Although he did not advance to the NFL like his brother, DJ’s narrative has been shaped by the circumstances surrounding Aaron’s tragic demise. After Aaron’s suicide in prison, DJ publicly shared his perspective regarding the factors he believed influenced his brother’s actions.
DJ Hernandez’s Struggles with the Law Post-Aaron’s Death
Multiple Notable Threats Linked to DJ Hernandez
The passing of Aaron Hernandez in 2017, just shy of two years following his conviction for Odin Lloyd’s murder, marked the beginning of a new chapter for DJ, one plagued by run-ins with law enforcement. In 2023, DJ was arrested after allegedly threatening violence against Brown University and his alma mater, UConn (via Turn to 10). Additionally, reports surfaced regarding reckless driving incidents and confrontations at ESPN’s premises (via TMZ).
While DJ’s escalating legal troubles seem to correlate with his brother’s tragic fate, it remains unverified whether they are directly connected.
DJ Hernandez’s Reflections on Aaron and His Tragic End
DJ Attributes Aaron’s Actions to CTE
DJ Hernandez has not shied away from discussing the media’s influence on the portrayal of his brother’s life. His thoughts are meticulously documented in his book, *The Truth About Aaron: My Journey to Understand My Brother*. In it, DJ brings to light Aaron’s CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) diagnosis discovered posthumously. This degenerative brain disease, common among football players due to repeated head trauma, may have shaped Aaron’s behavior long before his professional career began.
“Many years later, I’m left to wonder. Was this the first hit of many that affected my brother’s brain?”
Casual events such as playing with peers could have been the catalyst for Aaron’s earlier head injuries. Research from Boston University identifies symptoms of CTE to include “impaired judgment, impulse control issues, aggression, depression, and suicidality,” lending credence to DJ’s hypothesis. Moreover, DJ argues that the emotional toll of their father’s passing could have deepened Aaron’s struggles, ultimately impacting his life choices.
Current State of DJ Hernandez
DJ Remains Entangled in Legal Challenges
Following his college football tenure, reports from Boston indicate that DJ briefly engaged in coaching, serving as a position coach at both Brown University and Iowa. He also had a stint as head coach at Ledyard High School in Connecticut after a hiatus from the sport, during which he ran a roofing business in Dallas, Texas. However, DJ’s ongoing legal issues—largely stemming from threats rather than direct harm—seem inseparable from Aaron’s tragic suicide and its aftermath.
While the TV series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez captures aspects of DJ’s life, it primarily centers on Aaron’s narrative, whose life concluded while imprisoned. Nevertheless, the repercussions of Aaron’s story appear to have played a role in DJ’s ongoing struggles, reflecting a troubling correlation with his deteriorating mental health.
DJ Hernandez’s Recent Legal Developments
Charges Related to Allegations of School Shooting Threats
Dennis John “DJ” Hernandez has recently pleaded guilty to interstate threats (via The Chronicle). His future remains ambiguous as it is uncertain whether he will face time in prison or receive other forms of assistance. During his arrest in July 2023, he was reportedly agitated and shouted for officers to “shoot me”(via CNN), an encounter that resulted in him being tasered and subsequently hospitalized, where he expressed extreme hostility towards those profiting from his brother’s ordeal.
Hernandez has been charged with making threatening communications, potentially leading to a five-year prison sentence. He has remained in custody since his July arrest. DJ has previously issued threats via social media, declaring that his “enemies”would “pay,”which prompted law enforcement to label him as “gravely disabled and a danger to society.
Sources: UConn, Turn to 10, TMZ, Stylecaster, Boston University, Boston, ESPN
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