2011 was a breakout season for tight end Aaron Hernandez as he proved that his role is much greater than being a tight end.
Not only did Hernandez line up as a tight end, but he also was used as a wide receiver as well as a running back. Hernandez reeled in 79 passes for a whopping 910 yards while scoring seven touchdowns as well as running the ball for 45 yards on five carries—and then continued his rushing success with 70 rushing yards on eight carries throughout the postseason.
With Hernandez having so much success running the ball in the 2011 playoffs, the stud tight end was spotted taking handoffs with Tom Brady following Thursday’s practice as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels oversaw.
Ultimately, Hernandez is the kind of player that opposing defenses need to know where he is at all times—whether it be as the widest man, the slot receiver, tight end or even in the backfield.
With Hernandez being such a threat as a playmaker, it only makes sense to embrace his talents and expand his game by letting him run in-between the tackles.
There’s no word if Hernandez’s role will expand this upcoming season, but only one can assume so.