Aaron Hernandez Gets Support From Former Teammate Deion Branch

August 24, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) talks with wide receiver Deion Branch (84) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New England Patriots 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFL world was shocked when former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was in the headlines for ties to a murder on June 17. Hernandez had always had a mysterious persona and had dealt with character issues when he was entering the league, but he had signed a $40 million contract extension just a year ago and with his family life coming together it looked like he was ready to focus on becoming a star in the league.

Unfortunately, Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder and he is now being investigated in a potentially related double-murder from just a year ago. With all of the charges he is facing, it is very possible that he has already lived his final day as a free man.

When the news broke, a number of of Hernandez’s former teammates come forward saying they never trusted Hernandez and multiple other unflattering comments, but today Deion Branch has come forward in support of his troubled former teammate.

Branch said that he considers Hernandez a friend

“Aaron is a great guy and a great friend of mine and a great teammate,” Branch told the Albany Herald, via Tom Curran of CSN New England. “I love him to death, and it was shocking to hear his name involved in this situation. I truly hope and pray he doesn’t have any dealings with it.

“That’s my guy, man. That’s my guy. It really shocked me. He was a great kid. Overall, I hope the best that he isn’t involved with it and I hope he gets his name cleared, but most importantly I send my prayers and condolences out to the Lloyd family.”

What Branch is doing is being a great friend to Hernandez despite all of the horrible accusations. You have to respect his loyalty and we could all benefit from having a friend like that, but at some point Branch may need to face the facts.

This just goes to show that you never know what kind of people can be leading a double life.

Sure, there is a chance that Hernandez is innocent and could be cleared of all the crimes, but it isn’t looking good at this time.

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