The fourth episode of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez sticks to familiar themes, such as Aaron Hernandez’s struggles with his sexuality and the trauma of being sexually abused as a child, which may have contributed to his violent behavior.

What is interesting about this episode, however, is that it focuses exclusively on the 2010 NFL draft. Hernandez had first-round talent, but his off-field problems scared many teams away. Before the draft, his brother, DJ, encouraged him to sign with Brian Murphy (Thomas Sadowski) to help with the process.

The draft preparation includes written exams, physical tests, and interviews to ensure that NFL teams don’t invest millions in players who might fail. Hernandez performed poorly, and his issues — such as failed drug tests and run-ins with the police — caused him to drop to the fourth round.

A positive subplot seems to emerge as DJ helps guide Aaron through the process, assisting with the combine and offering emotional support. However, when Aaron isn’t drafted in the early rounds, he blames DJ, though DJ urges him to take responsibility. Eventually, they celebrate when the New England Patriots select Aaron.

Interestingly, midway through the episode, DJ asks Aaron’s agent if there are any opportunities for him to walk on as an undrafted NFL player. The agent dismisses this but suggests DJ has potential as a football coach.

Indeed, DJ’s career took that path, albeit briefly. After playing quarterback and wide receiver at the University of Connecticut, he transitioned into coaching, holding various positions, including a graduate assistant role at Iowa and later at the University of Miami. He also coached at smaller colleges and high schools in Connecticut.

Unfortunately, DJ’s coaching career has been overshadowed by recent legal troubles. The mental health struggles that affected Aaron seem to have impacted DJ as well. Last year, DJ Hernandez allegedly planned and threatened school shootings at the University of Connecticut and Brown University, posting his intentions on Facebook. According to an ESPN report, police arrested him after a confrontation where he threatened officers and spoke of a plan to kill anyone who profited off his brother’s death.

The plan included “a bullet for everyone.” DJ wrote on Facebook that he had been “dying for years” and that it was now “other people’s turn,” even stating that “not all shootings are bad.”

The case remains unresolved, leaving DJ Hernandez as another casualty of a violent upbringing and mental illness, far from the hopeful “good story” that American Sports Story might have suggested.