Aaron Hernandez Murder: 5 Things To Know About Former Patriot Charged With Murder

Aaron Hernandez, a rising star for the New England Patriots, is watching his stardom fall apart. Massachusetts State Police arrested Hernandez Wednesday morning. He is being charged with first-degree murder and five other gun charges during his arraignment in Attleboro District Court, according to Bleacher Report. He was dropped from the Patriots following the charges that he murdered semi-professional football player Oldin Lloyd. He is being held without bail. Here are five things to know about Hernandez:

1. He is Puerto Rican

Hernandez was born in Bristol, Conn., where he spent his years growing up. He is of Puerto Rican descent as his paternal grandparents are from Puerto Rico. Mike Pouncey, offensive guard, told USA Today that the team even calls him "Chico" as a nod to his heritage. He added that when the team got a new equipment manager, the team started calling him Chico as well, which made Hernandez a little jealous.

"He's the only Puerto Rican on the team. When you call him Aaron, he doesn't really respond," Pouncey said.

2. He was a star since high school

Hernandez played for Bristol Central High School. He caught 67 passes for 1,807 yards and scored 24 touchdowns as a senior. He was named the top tight end recruit of in the nation by both Scout.com and Rivals.com. He also took home the Gatorade Player of the Year title for the state of Connecticut. His prowess meant countless offers from colleges. Though he planned to attended University of Connecticut, he eventually decided to attend University of Florida.

3. He declared for the NFL Draft in his junior year

He garnered 34 receptions for 381 yards with the Gators his freshman year, in which the Gators only lost once, during the course of 13 games and 11 starts. He led the team with 57 yards during the BCS National Championship Game against Oklahoma. The Gators went on to win. As a junior, he caught 68 passes for 850 yards and scored five touchdowns. Following the stellar season, he declared for the NHL Draft.

4. He has a history of being involved with drugs and gangs

Sports Illustrated previously reported that Hernandez smoked marijuana while at Florida. The Boston Globe later reported that he failed numerous drug tests in college. His personal troubles and potential link to gangs made him unfavorable and, by many teams, unable to be picked. He eventually fell to the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft before being selected by the Patriots with a 113th overall pick. Shortly before the Lloyd case, a case alleging that Hernandez shot Alexander Bradley in the face in February after an argument was being built. The case was previously dropped, but was refiled this week.

5. He was a rising star for the Patriots

He caught 45 passes for 563 yards as a rookie for the Patriots' offense. He caught 79 passes for 910 yards during his second season, setting career milestones. He only played 10 games last season, but 51 passes for 483 yards in those few games alone. He was on a four-year contract with the Patriots when he signed in 2010. He was the youngest players on the team's active roster.