Classy move by Hernandez - New England Patriots Forums

stevedogc · 08-27-2012, 06:59 PM

after he signs his deal the first thing he did was to give money to the Myra Kraft Giving Back Fund.

New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Upon signing his five-year contract extension on Monday, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez made a charitable gesture that Kraft appreciated in remarks Monday evening at the team's annual charitable foundation gala.

"One of the touching moments since I've known the team -- knowing that this is our charitable gala tonight -- Aaron came into my office, a little teary-eyed and presented me with a check for $50,000 to go to Myra Kraft Giving Back Fund," Kraft said. "I said 'Aaron, you don't have to do this, you've already got your contract.' And he said 'No, it makes me feel good and I want to do it.'

Hernandez joins fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski in signing long-term contract extensions this offseason. Both were drafted in 2010; Gronkowski in the second round, and Hernandez in the fourth round.

"We're privileged to have two of the best young players on this team we know are going to be here for quite some time," Kraft said. "We know that both players had issues coming out, so where we drafted them was not indicative of good they really were, and I think both of them have really shined here."

To Kraft, Hernandez's donation reflected the organization's desire to have players give back after receiving financial security by playing in the NFL.

"That made me feel good because part of the thing that we learned early on is that we have a lot of young men who come into this business, and they come from humble financial homes, and part of what we try to do is make them understand is that there is a psychic income involved in giving back both your time and your financial resources, if you can do that," he said.

"And I sensed that he was touched in doing that. We didn't request it, it's something that he decided. And to flip the switch from living modesty to all of the sudden having a lot of income, I think we have to work real hard to help our young men adjust to that."

Kraft admitted that the first impression of Hernandez may not reflect the tight end's true character.

"I just think he's a super player, and really a first-class guy," Kraft said. "Some people might see all the tattoos on him and think. ...Maybe ten years ago I was in that class, (now) I think 'Wow, this guy's a good guy.' And we made a big commitment to him."

Mlink · 08-27-2012, 07:08 PM

What a class move...interesting to hear how much he credits the Pats with keeping him on track. The Gronk AH show is gonna be one hell of a watch for the next 6 years.

drew4008 · 08-27-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevedogc

"Some people might see all the tattoos on him and think. ...Maybe ten years ago I was in that class, (now) I think 'Wow, this guy's a good guy.'

I think the author left out the end of that quote...? And think what?

***MoLewisrocks*** · 08-27-2012, 07:27 PM

The piece below it is even more impressive and more emotional. Heck, I almost teared up reading it! This is schit Rex and Tanny and Woody can only dream of...

Quote:

"I knew it was coming, just cause, when Gronk got it, I knew there was a good chance I was next in line," he said. "Now that it happened, it's definitely a blessing, and take it in, I'm excited to go on with my life."

"As soon as we started talking about contracts, I was emotional from that day on," he continued. "Honestly, it's hard for me here [at the gala] to stay, keeping my mind off it, and it's just, like I said, it's surreal. Probably when I'm done with this conversation I'll get some tears in my eyes. But it's real, and it's an honor."

Hernandez, who is originally from nearby Bristol, Conn., was quick to share the news with his family.

"I called them and told them obviously what the contract was, and the basics about about it," he said. "They were all crying. I was crying right with them. This is probably one of the best days of my life. I'll remember this day forever. I just hope I keep going, doing the right things, making the right decisions so I can have a good life, and be there to live a good life with my family."

In signing Hernandez to a long-term deal, the Patriots pledged their commitment to the 22-year old, who expressed that there is no other team he'd rather be a part of.

"I couldn't be with a better franchise," Hernandez stated. "I know Tom's [Brady] going to be around for a while. I love the coaches, I'm close to my family. The whole organization is actually an organization. A lot of places are called organizations, but are they really organized?"

"This is a place that not only did it change my future from them paying me, but it just changed me as a person," he said. "You can't come here and act reckless and do your own stuff, and [I] was one of the persons that I came here, I might've acted the way I wanted to act, but you get changed by Bill Belichick's way. You get changed by the Patriots way. Now that I'm a Patriot, I have to start living like one, and making the right decisions for them."

***mayoclinic*** · 08-27-2012, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mlink

What a class move...interesting to hear how much he credits the Pats with keeping him on track.

Good point. 31 teams passed on AHern coming out before the Pats snagged him at #113 overall. The team takes chances on guys with off-field issues, but they do so selectively, and they provide a strong structure. Here's hoping that 2-3 years for now the Alfonzo Dennard is giving part of his long term extension to the Myra Kraft Fund, too.

RoughingthePasser · 08-27-2012, 07:46 PM

very cool....gronk+hernandez= unstoppable

Silver,Blue&Red · 08-27-2012, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoLewisrocks

The piece below it is even more impressive and more emotional. Heck, I almost teared up reading it! This is schit Rex and Tanny and Woody can only dream of...

I've got to admit it, I welled up a little reading that one earlier tonite as well. What a wuss I am