Former Patriots player returns to Boston Marathon finish line 10 years after rescuing victims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — When the bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon 10 years ago, many jumped into action, including former Patriots player Joe Andruzzi.

“It was a gorgeous day out. I was happy for the runners to have a great day to run because ironically in Boston, you don't know what marathon Monday brings to you,” Andruzzi recalled.

But no one could imagine what April 15, 2013, would bring.

Andruzzi was hosting a watch party for his charity team, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which raises money for cancer patients when things quickly turned to chaos.

"I close my eyes and I still see the image of the blood, the fury, the screaming and yelling,” said Andruzzi.

The three-time Super Bowl champion and cancer survivor sprang into action, running into the face of danger while others ran away.

My wife pointed out these three young girls that were carrying a woman on their back. I didn't think, I just ran across the street. I said 'Let me help.' I picked her up and carried her to an ambulance I saw down the road,” said Andruzzi.

That moment was captured in a photograph that’s been widely circulated and shared since that day.

"You don't think, you just react,” Andruzzi explained.

While there's been progress in the last 10 years, especially for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which has raised $10 million and helped over 40,000 families dealing with cancer, Andruzzi says it's still a difficult day to look back.

"It's very eerie when you see that live footage and seeing your constituents, family, and friends right next to that bomb,” he explained.

One of his staff members with JAF was captured in security footage standing right near the second bomb.

"You just keep seeing us look down, look back, and then the puff of smoke. It's still just really surreal,” explained Gillian O’Brien. “It took a while to go back into crowds and feel comfortable."

Despite the pain, they've both returned to the marathon every year to raise money for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

“You have to move forward and not live in fear,” said O’Brien.

This year, they invited everyone who ran on the charity team in 2013 to join them at the finish line.

“We came back absolutely Boston stronger,” said Andruzzi.