Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez believed there was a bounty on his head and feared for his life, which spurred the 23-year-old to acquire several firearms, sources told TMZ.

Hernandez was allegedly associated with a gang in his hometown of Connecticut, which he first got involved with as a teenager, according to sources with ties to the one-time college football star. Hernandez was attempting to distance himself from his gang-affiliated past, in light of his prosperous $40 million contract with the Patriots, which he signed in 2012. But it was difficult, according to sources, and therefore he felt the need to own a gun.

See a picture of Hernandez brandishing a gun here.

Gang members allegedly believed Hernandez was indebted to them and didn't just want money, but also his time and respect. Hernandez reportedly became more fearful that he was a marked man, in the months leading up to the death of Odin Lloyd, who he is charged with murdering.

Hernandez was formally charged with first-degree murder in the Attleboro District Court yeasterday. Federal prosecutors said the former NFL tight end was upset with Lloyd because the victim associated with Hernandez's rivals at a nightclub.

Hernandez was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and four counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The prosecution claims to have surveillance footage of the tight end carrying a weapon before and after Lloyd's murder as well as other evidence such as a shell from the gun that was used to kill Lloyd, which was found in a car Hernandez rented.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held in custody until the trial. He was denied bail.

The New England Patriots released Hernandez from their roster hours before their tight end was formally charged.

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