Patriots fans say they take pride in their players and how they conduct themselves, so for them, this was personal.
They expected a guilty verdict, but they say they're still disappointed, knowing for sure that their former favorite player is now a convicted killer.
Many Patriots fans believe Aaron Hernndez is guilty.
"There is just so much evidence againt him it seemed obvious," said Kingston resident Jim Cipullo.
But they had a hard time believing he did it in the first place.
"It happens but you don't expect it to happen to your team," said fan Lindi Malo.
Quincy resident Michael Carr agreed, saying, "He had a fat contract, he was catching balls from Tom Brady, why would he do something like this?"
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The 2010 fourth-round draft pick quickly rose to stardom as Tom Brady's go-to guy. Hernandez was awarded a $40 million contract in 2012, a year before he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd.
"I am sure the Pats feel some disappointment in it too," said Pam Coderre. "He had a future."
The former football hero started a new, very different life Wednesday inside state prison in Walpole, just about a mile way from Gillette Stadium.
"There's a guy who just ruined his life, he had everything going for him and now he will be in prison cell for rest of his life," said Moe Coderre.
Fans are talking a lot about the downfall of Aaron Hernandez, but also recognized the victim in this case. Many say their thoughts and prayers are with Odin Lloyd's family.
