Training camp this summer in Foxboro had a different feel than in past years.
Future Hall of Fame Coach Bill Belichick, who was in charge of all-things football for the Patriots since 2000, resigned last January and Jerod Mayo, his key defensive assistant, was promoted to fill his mentor’s big shoes as head coach.
Eliot Wolf, who was member of the Patriots personnel department the last four years, was upgraded to de-facto general manager with the title of Executive Vice President of Player Personnel.
The Patriots also have a new look at quarterback after drafting Drake Maye on the first round last April and matching him against newly signed veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting quarterback job. Mac Jones, the team’s first round pick in 2022, was traded to Jacksonville last March after starting 42 games at quarterback in Foxboro these last three seasons.
Yes, there have been many changes in personnel and culture around the Patriots but one aspect of the organization that has not changed is the generosity and community spirit of the Patriots alumni. Pete Brock, who spent his entire NFL playing career (1976-87) in New England, is the President of the Patriots Alumni Association while Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett continues as the team’s Executive Director of Community Affairs.
Individual alumni also continue their work by hosting youth summer football camps around the country or holding various charitable events, including golf tourneys, to raise funds for their own non-profit foundations.
Ex-Patriot Joe Andruzzi had a 10-year NFL career, including five seasons (2000-04) with the Patriots. He suddenly was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2007 which ended his career. However, he has since waged a successful fight against the disease and remains cancer free at age 48.
Andruzzi and his wife Jen wanted to give back after that cancer scare so they started the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) in 2008 to help other families with the non-medical costs of cancer. Since its inception, the organization has raised and given more than $10 million to 40,000-plus cancer patients across New England.
“A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be all consuming, so we also believe in providing fun experiences for a patient’s mental health,” says Andruzzi.
For example, JAF last weekend provided a much-needed opportunity for some relaxation for 90 patients and their families to ride around scenic Boston Harbor on a large speed boat. The Andruzzi’s also provided free lunch and complimentary tickets to the New England Aquarium.
We at NFL Alumni wish the Patriots organization much success with all the changes they are undergoing. We also salute the many Patriots alums such as Joe Andruzzi and thank them for being so generous with their time in assisting those less fortunate in the New England region.
