Prior to “American Sports Story,” Mendez appeared in “All Rise,” “The Grotto” and more. But she is best known for her stage work, having won a Tony Award for the 2018 revival of “Carousel” and starred last season in the blockbuster musical “Merrily We Roll Along.”

In "American Sports Story," Rivera appears bulked up to play Hernandez, who was a star tight end for the University of Florida and then for three seasons with the New England Patriots. Hernandez was listed at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds during his playing career.

New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was convicted of murder in 2015 and died by suicide two years later