National Football League

Fans exchange Hernandez jerseys

Published Jul. 6, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hundreds of one-time fans are trading in their Aaron Hernandez jerseys.

The New England Patriots are letting fans trade in their No. 81 jerseys for a different one on Saturday and Sunday.

The ex-Patriots tight end has been charged with the murder in the death of 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Patriots released Hernandez shortly after he was arrested on June 26.

Team spokesman Stacey James says children love wearing Patriots gear but may not understand why their parents don't want them wearing Hernandez's jersey.

The jerseys must have been purchased at the team shop at Gillette Stadium or its online store.

The exchange is good on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. Fans can turn in their Hernandez jerseys for any other jersey in stock. Fans lined up early on Saturday and the line stretched around the Patriots Pro Shop and down to the VIP parking area of Gillette Stadium.

Check out the tweets and photos of the exchange below.

Holy freaking hell the line for the @PatriotsProShop is flipping ridiculous
— Tanya (@TanyaLouWho) July 6, 2013

@SteveB7SFG it's wrapped around the pro shop and halfway down to where the players park
— Tanya (@TanyaLouWho) July 6, 2013

@DougKyedNESN ill try and get a better one but this is from my vantage point http://t.co/J2xdasrDnd
— Tanya (@TanyaLouWho) July 6, 2013

Photo: About 250 fans lined up outside Patriots Pro Shop for Aaron Hernandez jersey exchange pic.twitter.com/2OU7Z0TyCB
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) July 6, 2013

Hundreds in line to exchange #81 jerseys. Heads up move by #Patriots to open Pro Shop early. #100Degrees
— Lisa (@patsfanlisa) July 6, 2013

Line at Pro Shop #Patriots pic.twitter.com/C9QDHpsbUo
— Lisa (@patsfanlisa) July 6, 2013

Just a few people showed up at Gillette Stadium for the Aaron Hernandez jersey exchange pic.twitter.com/Sr4AvD9oZe
— Brian McIntyre (@brian_mcintyre) July 6, 2013

Here is another picture of this very long line to exchange Aaron Hernandez jerseys. pic.twitter.com/JTtJaUc1iB
— Russ Goldman (@Russ_Goldman) July 6, 2013

The jersey exchange for the Aaron Hernandez jerseys is insane. The line goes all the way to the Player's entrance. pic.twitter.com/b5j9yT9Ilk
— Russ Goldman (@Russ_Goldman) July 6, 2013