Joe Andruzzi Embodies Patriot Way; Carries Woman to Safety During Monday’s Marathon Bombing

Once a Patriot, always a Patriot.

For former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi that goes well beyond the football field.

Andruzzi was cheering on his foundation’s Team JAF runners in Boston when two bombs exploded near the finish line on Boylston Street at 2:50 p.m. Monday.

Hours after the incident, a photo surfaced on several media outlets showing Andruzzi carrying a woman away from the chaotic scene in Copley Square. Andruzzi’s heroic action – and rightfully so – instantly went viral on social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.

 In the wake of the tragedy and the tireless efforts of the first responders, doctors and investigators, Andruzzi released a statement regarding the attention he has received from Monday’s photo, according to NFL.com.

“Marathon Monday should be about uplifting stories, personal challenges and fundraising milestones, but today’s bombings irrevocably changed that,” Andruzzi said. “While I appreciate the interest in hearing our perspective on [Monday’s] horrific events, the spotlight should remain firmly on the countless individuals — first responders, medics, EMTs, runners who crossed the finish line and kept on running straight to give blood, and the countless civilians who did whatever they could to save lives. They were the true heroes. Our thoughts prayers go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

As for Andruzzi’s JAF Marathon team, the former Patriots player announced on his Facebook page everyone is safe and accounted for.

“We are safe,” the announcement said. “All our runners are safe. Thank you all for the text, tweets and direct messages. Thank you to all our emergency personnel who responded instantly. God bless us all.”

The Hall at Patriot Place’s Facebook page published the following statement to go along with the photo above:

“Joe Andruzzi may or may not be inducted into our Hall of Fame someday, but he is a Hall of Fame person,” the statement said. “Tough as shoe leather and a good man.”

This is not the first time Andruzzi has experienced national tragedy on a personal level.

Andruzzi’s three brothers were New York City firefighters during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and all joined the New England Patriots on the field of Foxboro Stadium for a memorable ceremony on Sept. 23, 2001.