Photo Credit: Stew Milne/US PRESSWIRE
New England offensive tackle Nate Solder has been blocking for Tom Brady for years now and has always been consistent. Last season he was able to start every game as the Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl. However, just months before the start of last season during a routine physical Solder knew something was not right. A lump was found and it was determined to be testicular cancer.
He was completely surprised by the diagnosis. Fortunately for Solder, it had not yet spread. Three days after the diagnosis, his testicle was removed and he able to rest and return to OTAs. Solder has opened up about his diagnosis in hopes to raise awareness. He told ESPN.com, “I was completely healthy, I’m a professional athlete. It can happen to anybody. Make sure you get yourself checked out, especially young men, because that’s who it’s really targeted toward.”
