The Massachusetts grand jury returned the indictment on Thursday, charging Hernandez with the killing of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, who was dating the sister of Hernandez's girlfriend.
Hernandez pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges in June. He is being held in jail without bail.
He had a brief court appearance in Attleboro on Thursday afternoon. Afterward, his attorney Michael Fee said the defense was pleased to be on a path to a jury trial and was looking forward to testing the prosecution's evidence.
Prosecutors say Hernandez orchestrated Lloyd's killing because he had talked to people Hernandez had problems with at a nightclub. However, Hernandez's lawyers say the case against him is circumstantial and they're confident he will clear his name. He's being held in jail without bail.
"There has been an incredible rush to judgment in this case," and the state doesn't have enough evidence to prove the charges, said attorney Michael Fee.
Hernandez could face life in prison if convicted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
