The Sports Xchange

New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2014 but decided not to discuss it until now to raise awareness during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

“I knew nothing about it. It was a complete surprise,” said Solder in an interview with ESPN. “You Google something like that and it kind of scares you, so I was like, ‘I’m not going to freak out about this.’ Had I not had a routine physical, I probably wouldn’t have checked it, saying, ‘Oh, it’s just in my head, I’m going to be fine.'”

A first-round pick who played collegiately at Colorado, Solder celebrated his 27th birthday two weeks ago and is entering his fifth NFL season. He started every game last season as the blindside protection for quarterback Tom Brady, including the Super Bowl.

Solder said the Patriots’ medical staff ordered an ultrasound when he told trainers he felt something around his testicle.

Within three days, he had undergone surgery and was prescribed rest for two weeks during organized team activities. He was back on the field in June.

Solder said he was fortunate to detect the disease early.

“I was completely healthy, I’m a professional athlete. It can happen to anybody,” he said. “Make sure you get yourself checked out, especially young men, because that’s who it’s really targeted toward.”