Watch CBS News

Tebow On Aaron Hernandez's Murder Charge: It's 'Heartbreaking And Sad'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Tim Tebow and Aaron Hernandez were teammates at Florida for three years.

They were teammates with the New England Patriots for just over two weeks.

Hernandez, of course, is currently facing a murder charge. He was released by New England on June 26 shortly after being arrested. Tebow, who played with the Jets in 2012, was surprisingly signed by the Pats on June 10.

Tebow knows a thing or two about Hernandez, and he spoke about the murder charge on Friday, calling it "heartbreaking."

"Well, it was heartbreaking and sad and we've been advised not to comment on an ongoing legal investigation," Tebow told reporters on Friday. "So I'm not going to comment further. But it's just heartbreaking and sad and all my thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved."

Tebow was pressed a bit further to elaborate on how he felt, but the former first-round pick -- unsurprisingly -- didn't budge and followed the team's orders.

"I understand how you have to ask all the questions," Tebow said. "That's part of doing your job. Part of mine is listening to instructions. We've been told not to talk about it."

The backup quarterback told reporters that he hasn't spoken to the former tight end since the situation unfolded, again repeating, "We've been asked not to talk about it."

Is the ardent Christian praying for his former teammate?

"Of course I am," Tebow said.

Hernandez had pleaded not guilty to the shooting death of Odin Lloyd on June 17. He is currently being held without bail.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.