Patriots TE Hunter Henry awkwardly gives praise to Aaron Hernandez

The former University of Florida Gator played all three of his NFL seasons with the Patriots from 2010-12, forming a talented tight end pairing with fan-favorite Rob Gronkowski, but Hernandez is mostly remembered for what transpired following his career on the field.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with first-degree murder during the 2013 offseason and was subsequently released by New England. He was found guilty in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at a Massachusetts correctional center.

Hernandez was found dead in his cell in 2017 in what was ruled a suicide.

The former NFL player's brother, D.J. Hernandez, was arrested last week after police "received complaints about threats he allegedly made," per a CNN report.

Regardless of whether Henry meant to call Hernandez a "legend," (which usually has a positive connotation) or if he simply misspoke, his words created quite a firestorm on Twitter. The fact that offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien decided to show game tape of Hernandez to the current Patriots tight ends was questioned as well.

O'Brien is starting his second tenure with the Patriots after six-plus seasons as the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2014-20. He was New England's offensive coordinator during Hernandez's second NFL season in 2011.

Henry is beginning his third season with the Patriots this fall.