Joseph Dominick Andruzzi was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on Aug. 23, 1975 ... All-city selection in football at Tottenville High School in Staten Island, N.Y. where he was an offensive and defensive tackle ... Along with then-teammate Jim Kitts, took part in the 1999 Pro Football Team Arm Wrestling Championships at Las Vegas, the duo placed fifth out of 16 teams ... Majored in liberal arts ... Joe and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Hunter, Breanna and Thomas.
Joe Andruzzi was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent on Sept. 9, 2000 … Placed on injured reserve (12/7/00) ... Originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent (4/25/97) ... Allocated to the Scottish Claymores of the NFL Europe League (1998) ... Placed on injured reserve (11/23/99) ... Released by the Packers (8/27/00).
Career GP/GS: 79/60 (7/6)
Andruzzi has been a part of a Patriots offensive line that has allowed just 63 sacks over the past two seasons. That is the best two-year total since New England allowed 60 sacks from 1996-97.
Andruzzi started all three postseason games in 2003 as part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in the playoffs as Tom Brady attempted 126 passes and the Patriots claimed the Super Bowl XXXVIII championship.
The Patriots offensive line allowed only 31 sacks of Tom Brady during the 2002 season, their lowest sack total since they allowed 30 sacks in 1997.
Andruzzi helped pave the way for running back Antowain Smith’s four 100-yard games during the 2001 season. It was the highest single-season total since Robert Edwards recorded four in 1998.
Earned a spot on the All-NFL Europe team after starting in all 10 games for the Scottish Claymores during the 1998 season.
Andruzzi was a four-year starter (1993-96) at Southern Connecticut State in New Haven, Conn. ... Selected NCAA Division II first-team All-American by the National Football Coaches Association in 1995 and 1996 ... Played center, tackle and guard during his collegiate career ... First-team all-conference selection and team captain as a senior, when he helped the Owls set season records for total yards (4,783), touchdowns (52), passing yards (2,153) and completions (142).
Indianapolis (9/9): Member of an offensive line that allowed New England rushers to average 4.8 yards per carry in the Patriots' 27-24 victory over the Colts. at Arizona (9/19): Started at right guard and was a part of an offensive line that opened holes for Corey Dillon to rush for 158 yards on 32 carries (4.9-yard avg.) in the Patriots' 23-12 victory over the Cardinals. at Buffalo (10/3): Made his first start at left guard ... Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 30 pass attempts in the Patriots' 31-17 victory over the Bills. Miami (10/10): Started at left guard and was a part of an offensive line that allowed Patriots' rushers to gain 135 yards on the ground in New England's 24-10 victory over Miami. Seattle (10/17): Member of an offensive line that opened holes for Patriots' rushers to pick up 138 rushing yards in the Patriots' 30-20 victory over the Seahawks. N.Y. Jets (10/24): Part of an offensive line that allowed Corey Dillon to rush for 115 yards on 22 carries (5.2-yard avg.) in the Patriots' 13-7 win over the N.Y. Jets. at Pittsburgh (10/31): Started at left guard against the Steelers. at St. Louis (11/7): Member of an offensive line that opened holes for New England rushers to gain 147 yards on the ground in the Patriots' 40-22 road win against the Rams. Buffalo (11/14): Part of an offensive line that allowed Patriots' rushers to amass 208 rushing yards in New England's convincing 29-6 victory over the Bills. at Kansas City (11/22): Member of an offensive line that allowed Tom Brady to throw for 315 yards and Corey Dillon to rush for 98 yards in the Patriots' 27-19 Monday Night victory over the Chiefs. Baltimore (11/28): Part of an offensive line that opened holes for Patriots' rushers to gain 144 yards on the ground in New England's 24-3 victory over the Ravens ... Member of an offensive front that allowed just one sack for two yards on 30 pass attempts against one of the league's stingiest pass rush defenses. at Cleveland (12/5): Member of an offensive line that allowed Patriots' ball carriers to amass 225 rushing yards in New England's 42-15 victory over the Browns. Cincinnati (12/12): Part of an offensive line that allowed just one sack on 26 pass attempts in the Patriots' AFC East clinching 35-28 victory over the Bengals. at Miami (12/20): Member of an offensive line that opened holes for Patriots' rushers to gain 166 yards on 38 carries (4.4-yard avg.). at N.Y. Jets (12/26): Part of an offensive front that opened up holes for New England rushers to gain 114 yards on the ground ... Member of a line that allowed only one sack on 32 pass attempts in the Patriots' 23-7 victory over the Jets. San Francisco (1/2): Member of an offensive front that opened holes for Patriots' rushers to gain 174 yards on the ground on just 28 carries (6.2-yard avg.) in the Patriots' 21-7 victory over the 49ers ... Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in the second half.
2004 Postseason (2/2/0/0): Indianapolis (1/16): Member of an offensive line that opened holes for Patriots' rushers to gain 210 yards on the ground on just 39 carries (5.4 avg.) in the Patriots' 20-3 victory over the Colts. at Pittsburgh (1/23): Part of an offensive line that allowed Patriots ball carriers to gain 126 yards against one of the stingiest run defenses in the league during New England's 41-27 AFC Championship victory over the Steelers.
2003 (16/16, 3/3): Started all 16 games for the Patriots, marking the second time in three years he started all 16 games … Helped the ground attack exceed the century mark with more than 100 rushing yards in five of the first six weeks of the season … Part of an offensive line that started the same five players in each of the last 12 regular-season games, all Patriots victories. Buffalo (9/9): Started at right guard … Helped pave the way for 105 yards rushing on 21 carries (5.0 yard avg.). N.Y. Jets (9/21): Part of an offensive line that opened holes for the team to rush for 147 yards. Tennessee (10/5): Was a member of an offensive line that opened holes for Patriots rushers to gain 161 yards on 27 carries (6.0 avg.) … Helped the Patriots retain possession of the ball by recovering a fumble deep in Patriots territory. N.Y. Giants (10/12): Member of an offensive line that helped Patriots rushers gain 129 yards on 31 carries (4.2 yard avg.) … It was the fifth time in six games that the Patriots had totaled more than 100 yards on the ground. Denver (11/3): Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 35 pass attempts … Supplied Tom Brady with time in the pocket, allowing him to throw for 350 passing yards. Indianapolis (11/30): Grabbed his first career reception on a deflected pass in the third quarter. N.Y. Jets (12/20): Part of an offensive line that opened holes for Antowain Smith to rush for 121 yards on just 18 carries (6.7 avg.) … Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 25 pass attempts. Buffalo (12/27): Helped the ground attack gain 131 yards rushing. Tennessee (1/10): Started at right guard in the Patriots’ 17-14 divisional playoff victory over the Titans … Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 41 pass attempts. Indianapolis (1/18): Started at right guard in the Patriots’ 24-14 AFC Championship victory over the Colts … Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 37 pass attempts. Carolina (2/1): Started at right guard and was a member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 48 pass attempts in the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXVIII victory over the Panthers.
Pittsburgh (9/9): Started at left guard as part of an offensive line that allowed only two sacks on 43 pass plays in the Patriots 30-14 win over the Steelers on Monday Night Football. at N.Y. Jets (9/15): Started at right guard on an offensive line that allowed no sacks on 35 passing attempts while paving the way for 163 rushing yards as the Patriots defeated the Jets, 44-7. at San Diego (9/29): Inactive. at Miami (10/6): Inactive. Green Bay (10/13): Inactive. Denver (10/27): Returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Week Three vs. Kansas City … Part of an offensive line that helped Antowain Smith average 4.5 yards per carry. at Buffalo (11/3): Started at right guard … Part of an offensive line that blocked for its first 100-yard rusher of the season as Antowain Smith rumbled for 111 yards in New England’s 38-7 win at Buffalo … Offensive line allowed only one sack as Tom Brady threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns. at Chicago (11/10): Started at right guard and played in the first half of the Patriots thrilling 33-30 win over the Bears. Minnesota (11/24): Started at right guard in the Patriots 24-17 win over the Vikings … Part of an offensive line that allowed just a pair of sacks on 34 pass plays. at Detroit (11/28): Started at right guard in the Patriots 20-12 win over the Lions on Thanksgiving … Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 30 pass plays … Helped block for the team to rush for a total of 139 yards … Helped the Patriots march forward on a 17-play, 74-yard drive that chewed up the final 9:46 and helped New England preserve the win. Buffalo (12/8): Part of an offensive line that allowed no sacks and paved the way for 92 yards rushing in the Patriots 27-17 win over the Bills … Offensive line allowed no sacks for the second week in a row and the fourth time in 2002. N.Y. Jets (12/22): Started at right guard as part of an offensive line that allowed only two sacks on 37 pass attempts. Miami (12/29): Started at right guard in the Patriots come-from-behind, 27-24 win over the Dolphins in overtime … Part of an offensive line that allowed just one sack on 44 pass attempts and cleared the way for 116 yards rushing
Started all 16 regular season games at right guard for the first time in his career … One of three Patriots offensive lineman to start all 19 games (Mike Compton and Greg Robinson-Randall) … Helped pave the way for running back Antowain Smith’s four 100-yard games during the 2001 season. It was the highest single-season total since Robert Edwards recorded four in 1998. Indianapolis (9/30): Blocked for rushing attack that gained 177 yards on 39 carries (4.5 avg.) and scored three touchdowns in 44-13 victory over the Colts. San Diego (10/14): Started and played the entire game at right guard despite being listed as ‘out’ on injury report with an injured leg … Helped power the offense to a season-high 30 first downs and 374 yards of total offense in 29-26 overtime victory. Indianapolis (10/21): Part of offensive line that led the way for 123 yards rushing and did not allow a sack. Atlanta (11/4): Cleared the way for 135 yards rushing on 34 carries (4.0 avg.), including the team’s first 100-yard rusher of the year (Smith-117 yds). Buffalo (11/11): Part of offensive line that led the way for 134 yards rushing on 31 carries (4.3 avg.), including Smith’s second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance (100 yds) … It was the first time a Patriots running back recorded consecutive 100-yard games since Robert Edwards in 1998 (12/13/98 – 12/20/98). New Orleans (11/25): Helped lead the offense to a season-high 432 yards of total offense, including 191 yards rushing on 38 carries (5.0 avg.) and its third 100-yard rusher in four games (Smith-111 yds). Buffalo (12/16): Part of offensive line that led the way for 129 yards rushing and 4.8 yards per carry in 12-9 overtime victory. Miami (12/22): Powered the offense to a season-high 196 yards rushing on 44 carries (4.5 avg.) and its fourth 100-yard rusher of the season (Smith-156 yds). Oakland (1/19): Earned his first career postseason start as the Patriots accumulated 365 total yards of offense in their 16-13 overtime victory … The offensive line yielded only two sacks on 52 pass attempts against the Raiders. St. Louis (2/3): Started at guard and was part of an offensive line that led the way for a game-high 133 yards rushing on 25 attempts (5.3 avg.) in the Patriots 20-17 victory in Super Bowl XXXVI.
Signed on Sept. 9 and inserted into starting lineup eight days later vs. Minnesota (9/17) … Placed on injured reserve (12/7/00). Minnesota (9/17): Started first game as a Patriot at left guard. Miami (9/24): Recovered a Drew Bledsoe fumble and gained 2 yards on the recovery. Denver (10/1): Powered the Patriots to 314 total yards and their first win of the season 28-19. Indianapolis (10/22): Cleared the way for the Patriots second-highest rushing performance of the season (155 yards) ... Also achieved season-highs in first downs (24) and rushing first downs (11) … Offensive line did not surrender a sack against the Colts. Cincinnati (11/19): Offensive line surrendered only one sack in 16-13 victory. Kansas City (12/4): Left game in third quarter with right leg injury and was placed on injured reserve (12/7).
With Green Bay: Played in eight games, starting three at left guard ... Inactive for two other contests and spent the balance of the year on injured reserve ... Sidelined for a month after he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Aug. 5 … Returned to the field at Detroit (9/19) ... Rotated with Mike Wahle to play a significant number of snaps each week at left guard until starting at the position in Denver (10/17) because Wahle was forced to start at right tackle with Earl Dotson out due to a back injury ... Played much of the second half at left guard vs. Seattle (11/1) as Wahle moved to right tackle to replace Dotson, who had been ejected...Started at left guard vs. Chicago (11/7) and at Dallas (11/14) ... Placed on injured reserve (11/23) and subsequently underwent corrective knee surgery (12/1).
With Green Bay: Served as the backup to Marco Rivera at left guard ... Played in 15 games with one start while seeing the majority of his playing time on special teams ... Participated on offense for the first time when he stepped in at left guard late in the Packers 37-3 victory over the N.Y. Giants (11/15) ... Inserted at left guard in the second half vs. Philadelphia (11/29), replacing Rivera, helped the Packers gain a season-best 178 rushing yards ... Made his first NFL start at left guard, at Tampa Bay (Dec. 7) in place of the injured Rivera (knee) ... Inactive for regular-season finale at Chicago (12/27) ... Played on special teams in NFC Wild Card playoff game at San Francisco (1/3).
With Scottish Claymores(NFL Europe):Started all 10 games for the Claymores, earning a spot on the All-NFL Europe team in the process ... Helped Claymores finish with the third-best team rushing total in the league (averaging 100.0 yards per game) ... The Claymores notched three 100-yard rushing performances during the season.
With Green Bay: Battled his way onto team’s opening day roster by way of an impressive early performance in the preseason when he was described by General Manager Ron Wolf as “one of the surprises of training camp” ... Inactive for all 16 regular-season games and the Packers’ three playoff contests, including Super Bowl XXXII ... Missed the last month of the preseason after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in game against the New England (July 31) ... Returned to the practice field the second week of the regular season ... Signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent on April 25, 1997.
In 2002, Joe paid for 100 New York Firefighters to be bussed up and to attend the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots @ Gillette Stadium. Joe, whose brothers are New York City Firefighters, has been extremely involved in fundraising for 9/11 efforts. Joe served as a Muscle Team Buddy for the Boston Muscular Dystrophy Association, providing support to children with MD.
Joe served as spokesman for the New England Association of Fire marshals, rallying effort for the work that they do.
Joe and his wife Jen organized a trip for 200 inner city kids to come to Gillette Stadium and get toys the week before Christmas. This event, done through the Salvation Army, was attended by Joe's teammates.
Andruzzi is one of the most generous Patriots players in terms of volunteering for most team-sponsored charity events, including annual holiday turkey give-away, golf tournaments, and countless weekly public appearances.
Joe was the inaugural recipient of the New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2003. Joe received the Burton Award after being recognized as the Patriots player who best embodies the qualities of Burton, the first player drafted by the Patriots in 1959, and his commitment to the community and to helping others.
Joe became close friends with a young man named C.J. Buckley during 2002 training camp. When C.J. passed away from inoperable brain cancer in Dec. 2002, Joe helped to establish a trust in C.J.’s name to benefit children’s brain cancer research. In Dec. 2003, Joe hosted a benefit for the trust that raised more than $100,000.
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