NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Three-time Super Bowl champion and cancer survivor Joe Andruzzi can now add college graduate to his list of accomplishments.
Videos by FanBuzz
Andruzzi on Monday received his degree in liberal studies from Southern Connecticut State University President Joe Bertolino, 22 years after he left the Division II school for the NFL.
Andruzzi told the Hartford Courant the school taught him that "hard work and dedication is going to push you in life."
Thank you to my family for being with me on this special day. BIG Thanks to ALL who took part in helping me achieve this AWESOME GOAL!!! 🦉👨🏽🎓 https://t.co/NBIOKgjtS0
— Joe Andruzzi (@Andruzzi63) July 23, 2019
Former SCSU Football All-American Joe Andruzzi Receives Degree https://t.co/Ff8N9ltwsg
— SCSU Athletics (@SCSU_Owls) July 22, 2019
He always intended to finish his degree but said football, then non-Hodgkin Burkitt lymphoma, derailed him.
The 43-year-old former offensive lineman from New York City played for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns but is best known for helping the New England Patriots win three Super Bowls.
Bertolino says Andruzzi embodies the university's values of "treating people with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion and civility."
