Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2014, which shocked 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, removed the testicle, and Solder went on to experience one of the most rewarding football seasons in his life.
I was one of the people constantly defending Solder, as I didn't think he was the problem on the OL early last year.
That being said, there is no need for retribution against those who criticized his play. Self righteous 20/20 hindsight vigilanteism is cheap. Those people had every right to criticize something they saw if Solder and the Pats decided not to give out all the information.
We should all take care of ourselves and be vigilant in getting the correct check ups for our age group. That being said, live your life and don't stress over every lump and bump, 99.9% of the time it's normal.
I wouldn't say that I feel guilty. There is no doubt that he had stretches of spotty play last year. I think if I had known this I'd be a little more understanding I guess. Must have been incredibly difficult to stay focused after going though that kind of horrible experience.
On the other hand the medical staff , Solder and the team felt comfortable enough playing.
Why? He wasn't playing well. Should we have said that he was when he wasn't and we didn't know anything of the reason why? Further, do you have conclusive evidence that his having testicular cancer had anything to do with his declining play at the beginning of 2014?
That said, I'm very happy it got diagnosed early and he beat it. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. He also rebounded nicely and closed out the season playing some very good football and carried it into the postseason and through the Super Bowl win. I'm looking forward to seeing continued improvement from him.
I hope his recovery continues and he remains cancer-free. He is very fortunate to have had this diagnosed and treated in time.
As for those who criticized his on-field performance, I see no issue there. Solder was stepping between the white lines in a Patriots uniform on game-day. Fans have every right to express their view in a reasonable manner about what they observe of a player's performance (whether they are right or wrong in that regard is another matter). They are not responsible for what they did not and could not know.
Amazing that, FOR A FULL YEAR, nothing got out of Foxboro about Solder's testicular cancer or Armond Armstead's second heart attack, however, the NFL could not handle their internal waterfall of leaks during the MERE 5 DAYS they had control of the Deflategate investigation.
The NFL is bush league compared to the New England Patriots.
Can I just say how proud I am of the organization and of the culture on the team that the first we've heard of this is from Solder himself, and as part of National Testicular Cancer Awareness month?
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