Jake Cannavale says his 'American Sports Story' character represents Aaron Hernandez's vulnerability and fear. The 29-year-old actor tells PEOPLE that his Chris "humanizes the gay element" to the late football player,

As his NFL stardom rises, Aaron commits a violent act that casts a haunting shadow over his picture-perfect life in Tuesday's new episode of "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez."

Cannavale plays Chris, a physical therapist who works for Aaron Hernandez’s ( Josh Andrés Rivera) agent, Brian Murphy ( Thomas Sadoski ). Their secret romantic relationship becomes an integral part of Aaron’s story line as the athlete continues to battle with his sexuality.

FX’s series “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” which premiered on Sept. 17, follows the story of former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was found guilty of murder and later died in prison.

Learn more about the actors playing Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, Rob Gronkowski, and other notable Patriots in FX's "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez." The post Meet the actors in the cast of ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’ appeared first on Boston.

From the outside looking in, Aaron (Josh Andrés Rivera) couldn’t be happier. NFL dream? Achieved. Money? Plenty of it! A loving partner? Shayanna (portrayed by Jaylen Barron) is everything Aaron could ask for.

Despite the life-changing amount of money, Aaron can’t escape his anxiety and paranoia … or the violent murder he committed.