FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder had surgery for testicular cancer last spring then went on to start every game, including the Super Bowl victory.
Teammate Matthew Slater said Tuesday he was aware of it and the way Solder “handled that last year was really admirable with so much courage and a positive attitude, a sense of peace.”
ESPN reported Tuesday that Solder was diagnosed during the team’s voluntary offseason program last April after a standard physical. He had surgery three days later and returned by June for the end of organized team activities.
Solder said he was surprised by the diagnosis and stressed the need for early detection. The report added that while Solder made a quick recovery he is sensitive to others who have more significant surgery and treatments.
“I was completely healthy, I’m a professional athlete. It can happen to anybody,” he told ESPN. “Make sure you get yourself checked out, especially young men, because that’s who it’s really targeted toward.”