Hernandez: 'Reckless Aaron' days are over

FOXBORO -- Aaron Hernandez says he will be changing his ways after becoming a father for the first time.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the birth of his daughter Avielle Janelle on Tuesday, Hernandez said his perspective on life has changed.

"I'm going to look at things differently," Hernandez said. "I may be young and wild, but I'm not. I'm engaged now. I have a baby so it's just going to make me think of life a lot differently, and doing things the right way because now another one's looking up to me. I just can't be young and reckless Aaron no more.

"Definitely a life-changer. Every time I come to the stadium I can't wait to go see her. She's a cutie. I can't wait to go back and basically look at myself."

Hernandez turned 23 on the same day he became a father, something that was not lost on him.

"It's crazy," he said. "The best birthday gift you could have having a daughter on your birthday. Especially daddy's little girl. It's an honor. I couldn't ask for my life to be better at this point. My life is pretty good. Thank God for that. It's a blessing. I still feel blessed daily."

As for his availability on Sunday after missing the Rams game with a recurrence of his sprained right ankle, Hernandez, who was again limited on Thursday at practice indoors, said he'll just wait and see.

"Game time," Hernandez said with a big smile. "That's it."

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