A young Rob Gronkowski has become the unexpected viral star of FX’s new Aaron Hernandez show.
The series, which debuted last month, documents the story of the former New England Patriots tight end who played three seasons with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in Foxboro.
Aaron Hernandez story is bein told in a new FX showGetty
Hernandez played alongside seven-time Super Bowl winner BradyGetty
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez has so far drawn a mixed reaction from fans, and one scene in particular has gone viral in recent days.
The clip features Hernandez, portrayed by Josh Andrés Rivera, speaking to fellow tight end Gronkowski, played by Laith Wallschleger, in the locker room.
On the show, the young Gronk is seen informing Hernandez that coach Bill Belichick is “scary” before excitedly hitting his teammate in the chest to get him pumped for practice.
The scene has divided fans, with some suggesting the acting is spot on, while others described it as “cringy”.
So what does the man himself think of the portrayal?
“It was definitely over the top,” Gronkowski suggested.
“Do you want to know a fun fact about that clip? That is my good friend Laith who is playing me there.
“I’ve known him for about 14 years, and he definitely went over the top.
“I feel like it just fit the show perfectly though. Especially with all the other characters and Coach Belichick, just seeing Robert Kraft in the show as well.
“He’s a good friend, it was hilarious and it was classic.”
Gronk was impressed with his portrayal in the new showGetty
Gronkowski also revealed that Wallschleger has been his body double in a number of other projects and commercials – but joked that there are still a few differences between the pair.
“Everyone has a double that’s on set, in a movie or doing a commerical,” he continued.
“He’s shorter though than me. He’s not as jacked as me either, that’s for sure — and he’s not as sweet as me, he’s all right.”
While Gronk is more than happy with his portrayal in the series, he admitted that Wallschleger’s newfound viral fame has caused him a few issues.
“Laith is becoming too big time. I shot a commercial yesterday and he was supposed to be my double and guess what… he cancelled last second because the clip was going so viral!
“Oooh, Laith, you’re so big time man.”
Hernandez story has proved to be a controversial and fascinating one, particularly after he was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The Patriots drafted him in 2010 and in three seasons with the team he totalled more than 2,000 yards to go with 20 touchdowns.
However in the offseason of 2013 he was arrested and charged for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Two years later, in 2015, he was found guilty of first degree murder and handed a life prison sentence without the prospect of parole.
While on trial, Hernandez was also indicted for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.
A trial in 2017 acquitted him of both homicides, but days after the acquittal he was found dead in his cell – a death that was ruled a suicide.
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