Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez responded to a letter from a fan while in prison, declaring his innocence and vowing to prove people wrong when he returns to the NFL.
TMZ obtained a copy of the letter and verified its authenticity with law enforcement officials.
The fan who penned the original letter, according to TMZ, spent time in the same jail 15 years ago and wrote Hernandez to lift his spirits.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of Odin Lloyd, whose body was found June 17 near Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough, Mass.
Below is a transcript of the letter written by Hernandez:
Your letter meant a lot and was very true! I know everything happens for a reason and I know “God” has a plan for me and something good will come out of this. The world just makes things out of false accusations and it will die down especially when they say NOT GUILTY and all the people who turned on me will feel like crap. I’ve always been a great person and known for having an amazing heart! I am a strong person and nothing will break me! A C.O. will never nor can they say now for one day have I been down or not with a smile on my face. I know there is a reason I’m going thru this and I will figure it out through my relationship with the Lord. I fell off especially after making all that money but when its all said and done “GOD” put me in the situation for a reason! I’m humbled by this ALREADY and this will change me forever. At least I’ll know my true supporters. Thanks for being one of them!
P.S. the pictures are definitely hanging on my walls and def meant a lot! Thanks again brotha!
Thanks, Aaron Hernandez (signature)
Can’t wait to sign this again when I’m playing again and prove all the haters WRONG
*Keep this off social media PLEASE!
Here is a link to the copy of the letter obtained by TMZ.
