Ryan Murphy is back with a new installment of his “American Story” franchise. The highly anticipated “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” centers on the rise and fall of former NFL star Aaron Hernandez.

It’s been three years since the series was first announced in August 2021, and now that casting has been finalized and production has wrapped, the project is coming to a living room near you. “West Side Story” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” breakout Josh Rivera stars as Hernandez, making his TV debut.

The series premieres Tuesday, September 17 on FX. Below is a list of the cast and the real-life characters they play.

Josh Rivera as Aaron Rodriguez

Josh Rivera stars as deceased New England Patriots tight end Aaron Rodriguez. He played three seasons for the team before being arrested and convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd.

“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” marks Rivera’s television debut. His film credits include “West Side Story,” “Cat Person,” “Vegas High” and more.

Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins

Jaylen Barron plays the role of Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, the ex-fiancée of Aaron Hernandez.

Barron’s previous work includes “Free Rein,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Shameless” and “Blindspotting.”

Lindsay Mendez as Tanya Singleton

Lindsay Mendez plays Hernandez’s niece, Tanya Singleton, who is accused of covering up his alleged crimes while battling advanced cancer.

Before “American Sports Story,” Mendez appeared in “All Rise,” “The Grotto” and more. But she’s best known for her work on stage, winning a Tony Award for the 2018 revival of “Carousel” and starring in last season’s blockbuster musical “Merrily We Roll Along.”

Ean Castellanos as DJ Hernandez

Ean Castellanos plays the role of Dennis “DJ” Hernandez, the older brother of Aaron Hernandez.

Castellanos can be seen in several projects, including “Five Days at Memorial”, “Tommy”, “Burn” and “High Maintenance”.

Tammy Blanchard as Terri Hernandez

Tammy Blanchard plays Terri Hernandez, Hernandez’s mother.

Blanchard rose to fame after her role as teenage Judy Garland in “Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.” She went on to star in “The Invitation,” “Sybil,” “Bella,” “Tallulah” and “Burning Blue.”

Tony Yazbeck as Urban Meyer

Tony Yazbeck stars as sportscaster and former football coach Urban Meyer, who recruited and coached Hernandez when the late pro ballplayer was a student at the University of Florida.

Actor and singer Tony Yazbeck has appeared in “Meet Dave” and “The Right Girl”, among others.

Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow

Patrick Schwarzenegger plays former football player Tim Tebow, who spent three seasons as quarterback for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Tebow and Hernandez played together at the University of Florida.

Schwarzenegger, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, previously starred in “Gen V” and will appear in the upcoming third season of “The White Lotus.”

Norbert Leo Butz as Bill Belichick

Norbert Leo Butz plays former New England Patriots general manager Bill Belichick.

Before “American Sports Story,” the actor and singer starred in “Bloodline,” “Debris” and “Give or Take.”

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