NFL figures on Twitter have varying reactions to Aaron Hernandez verdict

When the news came down that former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder, there was plenty of reaction from the NFL world.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, a college teammate of Hernandez at University of Florida, summed it up simply with a tweet right as the verdict was read:

Speechless.

— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) April 15, 2015

Vikings receiver Mike Wallace (like many other NFL players) had a similar, simple reaction right after the verdict:

Oh God

— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) April 15, 2015

The tweet that caused the most reaction probably came from former Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes:

IM CONFUSED ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM THESE DAYS !!!

— BrandonSpikes51 (@BrandonSpikes51) April 15, 2015

Spikes finally got tired of all the critical messages his way:

I'll get back on tmrw when yall done fake caring

— BrandonSpikes51 (@BrandonSpikes51) April 15, 2015

Maurice Clarett, the former Ohio State running back who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2005 before he got in some legal trouble that landed him in prison, shared his own perspective:

Aaron Hernandez is trying to hold it together right now. It's gone hurt when he goes back to his cell. I know the feeling.

— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) April 15, 2015

I seen and did time with lots of lifers and I also seen ppl victimized by it.... It hurts to be honest.

— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) April 15, 2015

I seen and did time with lots of lifers and I also seen ppl victimized by it.... It hurts to be honest.

— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) April 15, 2015

Redskins defensive tackle Chris Baker used the moment to get his message across:

Sad to see some one like Hernandez throw his talent away like this but the sad truth is there are a lot of talented people who get caught up

— Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) April 15, 2015

Surround yourself with positive people who make you better

— Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) April 15, 2015

I've so many Aaron Hernandez is my own community leave that street life alone seek God and watch your life prosper

— Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) April 15, 2015

David Nelson, a former Jets receiver who was also a college teammate of Hernandez, was in disbelief:

I just can't wrap my head around this. For the first time, it's real. That's not the kid I knew. I just can't understand it...

— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015

He was found guilty, and should do the time. But man... That's not the guy I knew. How could that happen. WHY did that happen.

— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015

My heart and prayers go out to the Odin Lloyds family. As blown away by this as I am, the focus and respect should be paid to them.

— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015

NFL tight end Tom Crabtree summed up the day visually:

Where Aaron Hernandez will spend the rest of his life top left. Gillette Stadium bottom right. http://ift.tt/1ys6e02

— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) April 15, 2015

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab

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