Nate Solder Hopeful To Remain With Patriots Beyond 2015
BOSTON (CBS) -- Nate Solder is smack-dab in the middle of offseason training, in a much different place than he was a year ago.
Last year in April, after undergoing a routine physical, doctors found that Solder had testicular cancer. He underwent treatment, played an entire season and won the Super Bowl without the public knowing about his condition, which he publicized just last month.
On Tuesday, Solder spoke with reporters at Gillette Stadium, and he said he was happy to help spread awareness and hopefully inspire other young men to be vigilant in checking their own health.
"I think God gave me an opportunity to shine some light on an issue that is affecting lots of men in this world," Solder said. "I think it's just early detection. The sooner you detect it, the sooner you get to a doctor, the less of a problem it can be, the quicker you're going to be healed."
As for his professional career, Solder is already focused on the upcoming year. He and his wife are expecting a baby in the coming months, and after that, it'll be full speed ahead with football.
Yet as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, he's not spending too much time worrying about what the future holds with regard to contracts.
"I would love to stay [with the Patriots], and God will provide other than that. Who knows what will happen?" Solder said. "My approach with that too is just to do the best that I can while I'm here."
Solder started all 16 regular-season games and all three playoff games, stepping out from his normal spot at left tackle in the AFC Championship Game to show off his tight end skills with a touchdown reception against the Colts. In his career, Solder has started 60 of the 63 games in which he's played.