Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.
The Boston Globe | Audible
Football star Aaron Hernandez went from the bright lights of the Super Bowl to a convicted murderer in a few years. The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, best known for its investigation of the sexual abuse scandal inside the Catholic Church, takes a hard look at the crisis facing football through the lens of Aaron Hernandez’s life and terrible crimes.From Wondery, the podcast team that brought you Dr. Death, Spotlight asks: Did a brain badly damaged by football contribute to Hernandez’s violent behavior? Did he keep secrets about his sexuality that collided with a hyper-masculine football culture? Did elite coaches and teams look the other way as Hernandez was spiraling out of control?Spotlight uncovered new documents, audio, and interviews to go deep into the story of what happened to Aaron Hernandez, and what it means for those of us who cheer on a violent game. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 12, 2024 • 39min
The Making of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez with Stuart Zicherman, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson | 11
Patty Wen goes behind the scenes with the creators of FX’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez. Showrunner Stuart Zicherman shares his process of translating the Gladiator podcast for television, including the exhilaration of bringing the Patriots’ locker room to life. And Executive Producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson join Patty to discuss working with Ryan Murphy on the American Story franchise and how these series are really a way of looking at ourselves through the lens of shared obsessions and the role we, as a culture, play in how these stories unfold.All episodes of FX’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez are now streaming on Hulu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 8, 2024 • 30min
Norbert Leo Butz on Becoming Coach Bill Belichick and Thomas Sadoski on Tackling Hernandez’s Agent Brian Murphy | 10
Actors Thomas Sadoski and Norbert Leo Butz join Patty Wen to talk about the new FX series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez. Sadoski, who plays Hernandez’s agent Brian Murphy, and Butz, who plays Patriots' coach Bill Belichick, discuss how they brought these complicated, larger-than-life figures to the screen — and the complex ethics of their relationships with the troubled athlete.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 17, 2024 • 29min
Josh Rivera on Becoming Aaron Hernandez in FX’s American Sports Story | 9
Josh Rivera, an actor known for his roles in 'West Side Story' and 'The Hunger Games', dives deep into portraying Aaron Hernandez in FX’s new series. He discusses his preparation for the role amidst the complexities of Hernandez's life. Rivera reflects on finding humanity in a troubled figure while grappling with themes of mental health and identity. He shares behind-the-scenes moments, combining humor with intensity, and highlights the duality of Hernandez’s existence within the NFL's hyper-masculine culture.
Jan 29, 2019 • 31min
Playing Through Pain | 8
Amid the Super Bowl buzz, players confront the grueling toll of injuries. Conversations delve into the pressures to perform, with teammates discussing both legal and illegal pain medications. The podcast highlights the dark side of pain management, showcasing the risks of opioid addiction. It also tackles the cannabis debate, revealing players' insights on its potential benefits versus traditional painkillers. Overall, it underscores the difficult balance between health and the relentless demands of professional football.
Nov 20, 2018 • 21min
Interview | 7
Explore the tumultuous journey of Aaron Hernandez, from his troubled childhood to his rise and fall in the NFL. Hear about the complexities of his identity, including the impact of CTE and personal struggles. Investigative reporters share insights into their collaborative efforts in uncovering the truth behind his life and legacy. The discussion touches on the significance of journalism in addressing injustices and offers a poignant glimpse into the emotional fallout of Hernandez's actions. A captivating look at a controversial figure.
Nov 13, 2018 • 32min
Beauty & Violence | 6
The podcast delves into the complex aftermath of Aaron Hernandez's tragic death and the emotional turmoil experienced by his family. It reveals shocking findings from his brain analysis, linking his violent behavior to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The discussion expands to address the hidden dangers of football, including the pressure athletes face to ignore serious injuries. Legal battles over player safety and the societal implications of violence in sports highlight the heavy cost of the game, prompting a reevaluation of football's impact on character.
Nov 6, 2018 • 41min
Erasing Aaron | 5
Dive into the turbulent life of Aaron Hernandez as he transitions from NFL star to inmate. Hear exclusive, raw insights from nearly 300 phone calls revealing his emotional struggles and reflections on identity. Explore the stark contrast between his past fame and his current isolation, coupled with the complexities of his murder trials. Delve into the chaotic moments leading up to his tragic death and the unsettling intersections of violence, football, and mental health.
Oct 30, 2018 • 44min
The Patriot Way | 4
The podcast explores the tragic unraveling of Aaron Hernandez's life as he transitions from a promising NFL star to a figure engulfed in violence and legal turmoil. It delves into the tight-knit but troubled culture of the Patriots, where teammates express concern over Hernandez's associations. As threats and criminal entanglements escalate, the narrative captures the emotional fallout from his shocking arrest and its impact on his family and team. The investigation reveals a deeper commentary on the dark side of sports and societal issues.
Oct 23, 2018 • 35min
Gator Nation | 3
Aaron Hernandez, a standout player from the University of Florida, shares his journey from high school to the electrifying world of college football. He discusses the immense pressures young athletes face, revealing how fame can blur the lines of accountability. Aaron reflects on early troubles with the law and the leniency often afforded to athletes. The podcast delves into the duality of championship glory and the darker aspects of college football culture, showcasing how Hernandez navigated a tumultuous path amid success and setbacks.
Oct 15, 2018 • 36min
Bristol | 2
Aaron Hernandez reflects on his tumultuous upbringing in Bristol, Connecticut, where the shadow of his father's strict expectations loomed large. He discusses the toxic family dynamics shaped by his father's legacy and struggles, revealing how these experiences fueled both his athletic ambition and emotional turmoil. The bond with his cousin Tanya and pivotal moments in his high school career, including a serious injury, are explored, shedding light on the pressures young athletes face while navigating family loyalties and personal aspirations.
