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DJ Hernandez, full name Dennis Jonathan Hernandez, is the older brother of the late NFL player Aaron Hernandez. A product of Bristol in Connecticut, DJ had an excellent sports life, playing quarterback for the UConn Huskies. He would have gone ahead to coach after college, taking jobs at several high schools and colleges. DJ and Aaron were close in childhood, but things got rough later on, particularly after Aaron’s conviction for murder. DJ has spoken about the impact of their father’s early death and the complexities of his relationship with Aaron, offering insight into their family’s struggles.
Its Aaron Hernandez, a late NFL star who is the elder brother, but DJ also has quite something engrossing to tell regarding survival and loss. Born in Bristol, Connecticut, DJ grew up very closely with Aaron until the young boys were still staying with their father, Dennis Hernandez. Both brothers excelled at sports, including D.J as an outstanding quarterback at the University of Connecticut Huskies. From college onwards, he began coaching at numerous high schools and colleges, among which were Brown University and the University of Miami.
Yet despite the success DJ has had, his life has been put under a spotlight because of the dark legacy that his little brother has left behind. The family went through serious tests following the sudden death of their father, a thing DJ one time referred to as a point of divergence between him and Aaron. DJ sought to channel his pain into a career while the opposite happened with Aaron; his life culminated in a conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013.
News of Aaron Hernandez’s death in his prison cell at age 27 added another tragic chapter to an already tumultuous story. Less than a week earlier, Aaron had been acquitted in a separate double homicide case-a glimmer of hope his family held dear. But that would quickly be extinguished as officials reported Aaron had taken his life by hanging. His death came on the same day his former New England Patriots teammates were visiting the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, who prosecuted Aaron in the Odin Lloyd case, called the situation “a shocking and sad end to a very tragic series of events that has negatively impacted several families.” His death ended not only the stormy life of Aaron but also left an indelible mark on the people who were close to him, including DJ.
DJ talks very bluntly about the confusing dynamics between him and Aaron, but also with their father’s passing and Aaron’s criminal life. His reflections show a little window into how those kinds of events have taken their toll on the family. Aaron’s memory would always be clouded with controversies, but DJ continued in search of meaningful living in order to build his strength from inside.
The Shocking News
The news came as a shock, as the 27-year-old athlete was acquitted in a second murder case less than a week ago. About the incident, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said, it was “a shocking and sad end to a very tragic series of events that has negatively impacted several families.”
Quinn originally persecuted Hernandez in the Lloyd case of June 2013.
Personal Life
The sudden news has made people wonder who Aaron Hernandez’s family is, but very little information is available since they are not celebrities. What is known is that Aaron Hernandez’s parents are his mother, Terri, and his father, Dennis, who died of complications from hernia surgery when the athlete was 16.
It’s hard to imagine the turmoil Aaron Hernandez’s mom and brother are currently going through at this time. The athlete’s brother, DJ, also known as Jonathan, must have had a love for football in his veins.
He originally worked as an assistant coach to a lower-level Iowa football team. DJ Hernandez’s Iowa career was halted by his own doing, reportedly due to the aftermath of his brother’s conviction, according to Black Heart Gold Pants.
DJ left his role to take on project management for New View Roofing and Remodeling in Dallas, but the former coach and athlete could not stay away from the field for long.
Also Read: Dennis Hastert Wiki: Wife, Net Worth, Kids, & 3 Facts to Know
His New Role as a High School Coach
As of late January, DJ has become the new head coach at Connecticut’s Ledyard High School. About the opportunity, DJ said, “I know (Ledyard) wants stability and someone who can go in and motivate and challenge these students. I’m excited about the challenge.
I will make sure the guys understand that they can’t achieve unless they work hard, and smart, throughout the process. I want to be a positive role model and a mentor … that’s what it’s all about.”
Before DJ could be accepted, the school did extensive background work and interviews leading up to it, but the school’s Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, Jim Buonocore was confident in DJ’s potential. “Jonathan is a leader.
He’s an educator. He’s a tremendous football coach. I think we’re privileged to get him in this community,” he said. He went on to express his confidence in DJ’s ability to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact on all the students.
As for his social media accounts? Many have been searching for DJ Hernandez’s Instagram and DJ Hernandez’s Twitter account but to no avail. Either he doesn’t use social media, or he’s laying low from the spotlight as much as he can.
