In a poignant moment during the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi spoke about the bombings at the Boston Marathon. Andruzzi, whose three brothers were New York City firefighters who responded to the 9/11 attacks, was hosting a fundraising event near the finish line of the marathon when two explosions rocked Boylston Street. The 37-year-old was photographed carrying a distressed woman to safety and was widely recognized as one of the countless ordinary citizens who came to the aid of those injured during the fatal attack.
"In terms of the Boston Marathon, the focus should be on all the positive energy that has emerged since the bombings," Andruzzi said during his emotional remarks. "Let's continue to shine the spotlight on all the first responders -- like my three FDNY brothers that are here with me tonight -- and all of the everyday citizens who jumped into action, plus the amazing survivors who have vowed to move forward in a positive direction, and all the countless acts of kindness that have been exhibited in Boston and around the country and globe."
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Andruzzi intended to present a No. '617' jersey to the Patriots' first selection in the draft but those plans were altered when his former team dealt the 29th overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings. Thankfully, the NFL still allowed Andruzzi to speak. Rather than welcome another player to the Patriots, he announced the transaction with the Vikings before leaving the stage.
After his appearance at Radio City Music Hall, Andruzzi took to Twitter to thank Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
