Joe Andruzzi has non-Hodgins Lymphoma

[nj meadowlands]

That sucks... at least it's treatable... does this eliminate chances of us signing him?

Former Patriot Andruzzi expecting complete recovery

By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

Ten-year veteran offensive guard Joe Andruzzi, released by the Cleveland Browns in early May, has been diagnosed with a treatable form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, agent Joe Linta confirmed to ESPN.com on Thursday night.

"He's upbeat, he's optimistic, and he's looking forward to his recovery and to the future," Linta said.

Andruzzi, 31, was diagnosed late last week after complaining of general irritability, swelling and a high fever. The popular lineman, Linta said, will immediately begin a 12-step round of chemotherapy treatments at the Dana Farber Institute in Boson. The facility is one to which Andruzzi and his family are longtime benefactors and for which he has raised a substantial amount of money during his career.

Said Linta in a statement later in the evening: "While this condition is very serious, both Joe and his doctors feel he will be quickly on his way to a full recovery ... He is being treated by some of the best specialists in the country, and Joe is confident he could not be in better hands. He would like to thank all his fans and friends for their outpouring of support."

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 54,000 Americans are annually diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The disease may develop in any organ associated with the lymphatic system.

Signed by Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent in 2005, and acquired not only for his football skills but also to add leadership to the locker room, Andruzzi started 27 games for the Browns over the past two seasons. His release, which was surprising, was part of the offseason remaking of the team's blocking unit.

Before joining the Browns, he had played five seasons in New England, and was familiar with Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel from the time they spent together with the Patriots.

In New England, Andruzzi was a part of three Super Bowl-champion teams.

A former Southern Connecticut State standout, Andruzzi entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Green Bay in 1997. In stints with the Packers (1997-99), Patriots (2000-2004) and Browns (2005-2006), Andruzzi has played in 122 contests, including 102 games as a starter.

Andruzzi has logged at least 11 starts in each of the past seven seasons. He had two years left on his contract, at base salaries of $1.5 million (2007) and $2.5 million (2008), when the Browns released him. Among the several teams that displayed an interest in Anduzzi after his release was the New York Jets.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

[green_blood]

I say the Jets should still pick him up, he also should come cheaper due to lower demand.

[LWC611]

I would rather have a younger healthier player. What is the value of signing a sick veteran?

[jetfuel]

I would rather have a younger healthier player. What is the value of signing a sick veteran?

Not that I want to compare the two, but just remember that Mario Lemieux had Hodgkin's Lymphoma on top of a spinal disc herniation, chronic tendinitis, and an atrial fibrillation and he was still amazing. All I'm saying is that what Andruzzi has is not as debilitating as you may think. That said, I would rather have them get a younger replacement for Kendall if and when he goes but we may have to wait until next year's draft for that (unless Adrien Clark or Bender who is expected to be moved to Guard can step up immediately).

[Ghost]

I don't want to take any chances grabbing him, I rather not.

[PFSIKH]

Not that I want to compare the two, but just remember that Mario Lemieux had Hodgkin's Lymphoma on top of a spinal disc herniation, chronic tendinitis, and an atrial fibrillation and he was still amazing. All I'm saying is that what Andruzzi has is not as debilitating as you may think. That said, I would rather have them get a younger replacement for Kendall if and when he goes but we may have to wait until next year's draft for that (unless Adrien Clark or Bender who is expected to be moved to Guard can step up immediately).

Depending on the stage it is not.

I had what Andruzzi had. Depending on your stage and treatment you receive, you can live a fairly normal life (i.e. continue to workout) during treatment. I received radiation and was just drained. A guy going through treatment at the same time, received chemo and was able to workout to a degree during it.

As my oncologist said, if there is a cancer to get, this is the one. It has a high curablility rate.

[Bugg]

Depending on the stage it is not.

I had what Andruzzi had. Depending on your stage and treatment you receive, you can live a fairly normal life (i.e. continue to workout) during treatment. I received radiation and was just drained. A guy going through treatment at the same time, received chemo and was able to workout to a degree during it.

As my oncologist said, if there is a cancer to get, this is the one. It has a high curablility rate.

My brother-in-law did too, and he quickly and completely recovered; it's very treatable if caught early. But during his treatment it would be very unliklely he could be healthy enough to play.Suspect keeping his weight up to NFL OL levels will not be possible. It is plausible that he could get back in 2008.

[PFSIKH]

My brother-in-law did too, and he quickly and completely recovered; it's very treatable if caught early. But during his treatment it would be very unliklely he could be healthy enough to play.Suspect keeping his weight up to NFL OL levels will not be possible. It is plausible that he could get back in 2008.

I hear you.

I was about 165-170 before getting sick. After my first 5 weeks of treatment, I weighed myself in full uniform (about 10 lbs.) and was down to 129 lbs. They had to adjust my second round because I never was able to keep anything down.

This other guy though, other then the day of and day after chemo treatment was ok.

Andruzzi might be able to go by camp, but will probably have stamina issues.