Andy Reid has coached countless players throughout his storied career, especially since taking over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. Among the many names he’s worked with is veteran linebacker Terrell Suggs. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Suggs retired in 2020 after earning his final ring with the Chiefs. Earlier in his career, he also shared the field with Aaron Hernandez during the tight end’s brief but headline-grabbing stint in the NFL.
Hernandez’s story remains one of the most infamous in NFL history. His fall from grace sparked countless discussions about the off-field issues that derailed a career once full of promise. During his prime with the New England Patriots, he was regarded as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons, until legal troubles ended his time in the sport and ultimately his life.
Despite the disturbing nature of his story, many within the league acknowledged Hernandez’s potential on the field. One of them is Suggs, who recently reflected on Hernandez’s career and legacy during an appearance on the Rory & Mal Show.
“He was a problem. This guy would route you up. Aaron Hernandez was a hell of a football player,” Suggs said. “Too bad that was his second job, his first job was to be a gangster.” Suggs added that Hernandez could have had an incredible NFL career but became even more notorious off the field.
Terrell Suggs #94 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida.
Suggs reflects on his feud with Hernandez
At one point, Hernandez was viewed as a rising star with the potential to become one of the NFL’s elite. But as time went on, his off-field issues overshadowed his talent, and the league ultimately turned its back on him. While some former players, such as Cam Newton, offered more nuanced views of Hernandez, his reputation remained largely defined by controversy.
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Former Chiefs player didn’t hold back when discussing Hernandez, especially regarding their on-field encounters. He acknowledged Hernandez’s ability but pointed to moments when tensions boiled over. “It wasn’t just the incident he got caught and got in trouble for… On the field, like a couple times in a Ravens-Patriots game, Hernandez got real chippy and I was like, ‘I’ll beat the f*** out of you,’” Suggs recalled.
Hernandez’s troubled life off the field
Hernandez spent three seasons with the New England Patriots before a series of legal troubles led to his arrest in 2013 and his eventual decease. Despite he was having a great future in the NFL, this situations got him into so much trouble.
In June 2013, Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée, was found murdered. Hernandez was later arrested and charged in connection with multiple crimes.
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Was Hernandez destined to become one of NFL's greats?
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