What role did Bill Belichick play in Aaron Hernandez saga? Source reveals Patriots HC was aware of TE's problems

The story of the fall of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is one filled with tragedy and sadness. The former Florida Gators standout made an impact on the NFL in a short period of time. Then, it all came crashing down when he was arrested for murder in 2013.

After being found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, he committed suicide in prison in 2017, at the age of 27.

At the time, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft said that they were shocked and saddened by the events surrounding Aaron Hernandez. But in August 2013, Rolling Stone Magazine released an article which suggested that Belichick actually knew more than he let on.

Hernandez apparently flew to Indianapolis during the 2013 NFL Combine to meet with his head coach. During the secret trip, he told Bill Belichick that his life was in danger. There are even rumors that he asked Belichick to get him traded to another team so that he could get away from the danger that he felt.

Belichick apparently advised the tight end to rent a safe house to hide from those he thought were after him. This apparently came just a few months after Belichick threatened to release Hernandez because he was aware of his drug use and thought he was becoming a distraction to the team.

To this day, Bill Belichick hasn't addressed the claims that he was aware of the issues that the former Patriots tight end was having.

How long did Aaron Hernandez play for the New England Patriots?

Aaron Hernandez was convinced by Urban Meyer to graduate from high school early and enroll at the University of Florida. He played three seasons with the Gators, easily becoming one of the best tight ends in the country.

After foregoing his senior season, he declared for the NFL Draft. He was unable to compete at the NFL Combine due to a back injury. Although he was considered one of the most talented tight ends in the draft class, off-the-field issues, including a possible drug issue, caused his draft stock to plummet.

The New England Patriots drafted the tight end in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played just three seasons for the Patriots before he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of his fiancee.