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Meet the full cast of FX's Aaron Hernandez show, including actors for Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick and more

2024-09-17
6 min read
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FX's newest documentary series is a foray into one of the most tragic NFL stories from the past decade. "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" is set to premiere Sept. 17, marking the network's third sports-centered offering.

Joining the ranks of "The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" and "Clipped," Ryan Murphy's latest project will span 10 episodes, focusing on the former Florida Gator and Patriots tight end's life, from beginning to end.

The show is the first edition of the "American Sports Story" anthology created by Stu Zicherman, which is expected to produce multiple docuseries about sports controversies. Available on FX with streaming options on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally, Murphy's is the first time Hernandez's story will receive a live adaptation.

Here's everything to know about the full cast of FX's "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez," including the actor playing Hernandez to Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick, and more.

WATCH: 'American Sports Story' and more on Hulu with Disney+ bundle

Aaron Hernandez show cast

Josh Rivera as Aaron Hernandez

Rivera will star in the series as former Patriots tight end Hernandez. 

The 29-year-old actor is known for his appearances in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" and "West Side Story."

Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow

The son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick Schwarzenegger, will play Florida standout quarterback and friend of Hernandez, Tim Tebow.

The Schwarzenegger spawn is known for roles in "The Staircase" miniseries and a brief cameo in "The Terminal List," among several smaller movies.

Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins

Barron will take on the role of Hernandez's fiance, Shayanna Jenkins, with whom the tight end had a daughter. 

The actress is known for playing Zoe in the Netflix original series "Free Rein" from 2017-19. Her big break came as "Dominique" in the hit series "Shameless."

MORE: Release date, trailer and more to know about FX's 'American Sports Story'

Lindsay Mendez as Tanya Singleton

Taking on the role of Hernandez's cousin Tanya Singleton, who became involved in the case after allegations arose that she had helped aid the murder, is Lindsay Mendez.

Most recently, Mendez starred in the Tony-winning Broadway revival of "Merrily We Roll Along" alongside Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe. She's also made appearances in "Elementary" and "Modern Family."

Ean Castellanos as DJ Hernandez

Ean Castellanos joins the cast as the brother of Aaron Hernandez, DJ Hernandez, who has had his own troubles with the law since Aaron's death.

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Recently graduating from the American Music and Drama Academy, Castellanos has made appearances in "Five Days at Memorial," "Tommy," and "High Maintenance."

Tammy Blanchard as Terri Hernandez

Playing Hernandez's mother Terri Hernandez is Tammy Blanchard.

Blanchard won a Primetime Emmy and received a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Judy Garland in "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows." Most recently, she starred with Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."

MORE: What to know about Aaron Hernandez's brother accused of planning school shootings

Thomas Sadoski as Brian Murphy

Thomas Sadoski will take on the role of Hernandez's agent Brian Murphy.

The actor is known for playing Don Keefer in "The Newsroom" TV series, as well as with roles in "Wild" and "John Wick."

Norbert Leo Butz as Bill Belichick

Portraying the legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is Norbert Leo Butz.

Butz began as an actor on Broadway, playing Prince Fiyero in "Wicked" in the early 2000s. Eventually, he became known for appearing in "Dan in Real Life," "Fair Game," and "Give or Take."

Jerry Levine as Robert Kraft

Jerry Levine will take on the role of Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

The actor has had a long career in film and TV as a director as well, leading episodes for shows like "Hawaii Five-0," "Everybody Hates Chris," and "Boy Meets World."

MORE: Aaron Hernandez timeline of trouble, from murders and trials to prison suicide

Tony Yazbeck as Urban Meyer

Then-Florida head coach Urban Meyer will be played by Tony Yazbeck.

Yazbeck is known for his role as Marc Capparello in "Billions" and has had cameos on "The Good Fight" and "Smash."

Ross Jirgl as Tom Brady

Ross Jirgl will take on the role of Patriots quarterback and all-time great Tom Brady.

Rising to popularity in 2023, Jirgl starred as Butch Cassidy in both "Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch" and "Butch vs. Sundance."