GoFundMe created for former Bronco who had a ‘life-threatening’ emergency
Former Boise State offensive lineman Andrew Woodruff suffered a sudden and life-threatening medical emergency last week, and friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to aid in his recovery.
Former teammate Tad Miller set up the fundraiser with a goal of $24,000 — as of Tuesday afternoon, more than $7,300 had been raised. A meal train has also been set up for those who want to donate meals.
Miller announced on Tuesday that Woodruff had been moved out of the intensive care unit after a six-hour procedure saved his life last week.
“After his surgery, he was placed on a ventilator and had a feeding tube. Those have since been removed, and he’s recovering better than the medical staff could have imagined,” Miller wrote. “They’re watching him closely to ensure all vitals are where they need to be before he can finish his recovery at home.”
Woodruff played for Boise State from 2005-2008 as a right guard, right tackle, left guard and left tackle. He earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors in 2008. Then-head coach Chris Petersen described Woodruff as “a hard guy to replace just in terms of his attitude and mentality alone,” according to previous Statesman reporting.
The Montreal Alouettes drafted Woodruff in the second round of the 2008 Canadian Football League draft, where he played until 2013 before returning to Boise.
Woodruff is a middle school teacher at Kuna Middle School, but Miller noted that his former teammate may be unable to return to work.
“Once out of the hospital, the Woodruffs are going to need our continued help,” Miller wrote. “Andrew will be on a strict diet and continued 24/7 support from Cari. If you’re unable to donate, please consider making a meal for the family.”
