Nate Solder Played Every Game Last Year After Getting Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4780526/patriots-nate-solder-diagnosed-with-testicular-cancer-in-14-spreads-awareness

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder takes pride in his team-first approach, which means he often avoids speaking about himself. He’s making an exception on this topic with the hope he might help others. Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2014, which was a shocking revelation to him because he felt healthy and there was no history of it in his family. Doctors determined the cancer was restricted to one testicle and hadn’t spread. They removed the testicle, and Solder went on to experience one of the most rewarding football seasons of his life. He started every game and served as quarterback Tom Brady’s blindside protector in a season that culminated with a Super Bowl XLIX title.

Yet another storyline to add to the Patriots Super Bowl DVD. Tom Brady’s 4th ring, Bill Belichick’s millionth, undrafted free agent saves the game, Julian Edelman, playoff Danny Amendola, oh and one of the starting o-linemen was diagnosed with testicular cancer just before the season started. Amazing stuff. Makes me feel bad that I did have a few vines of Solder getting walked throughout the season because knowing this it kinda makes everything a little more clear. Solder didn’t have his best season because he had bigger things on his mind, like nut cancer. But, where you really have to tip your cap to Solder is him saying that he doesn’t want it framed like he beat cancer while playing football because he doesn’t see it like that. He says he was lucky and there are people who go through far more difficult treatments. Nate is just letting people know he had it so they remember to get tested, otherwise mum would’ve been the word (and yes, I 100% checked my balls while writing this blog). Whatever way Solder wants it framed is really no concern to me because if you lose a testicle then start in the Super Bowl a few months later you’re a goddamn hero in my mind. Maybe some other people have undergone more difficult treatments but there’s nothing easy about losing a ball then playing pro football.