Aaron Hernandez has said that he wants to be fit for all 16 regular season games in 2013.

The New England Patriots tight end has failed to complete a full season since being drafted in 2010.

The 23-year-old told the Boston Herald: "As long as you have [Patriots quarterback] Tom Brady, no matter who is around him, it's going to be a great offense. We have a lot of weapons now. I'm excited for this next season.

"I'd say I started [working out] a little earlier this year to maybe try to get through 16 games this season. It's away from everything else, away from my family, my friends, gives me time to focus on football, focus on my main priorities in life."

Hernandez missed six games in 2012 with a high ankle sprain.