Nate Solder is a former American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on April 12, 1988, in Denver, Colorado, and attended Buena Vista High School, where he played football as a tight end and defensive end.
After high school, Solder attended the University of Colorado, where he played college football as an offensive tackle. He was a starter for three seasons and was named a first-team All-American in his senior year.
In the 2011 NFL Draft, Solder was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round, 17th overall. He played for the Patriots for seven seasons, from 2011 to 2017, and was a key member of the team's offensive line. During his time with the Patriots, Solder won two Super Bowl championships, in 2014 and 2016.
In March 2018, Solder signed a four-year, $62 million contract with the New York Giants, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time. He played for the Giants for two seasons, from 2018 to 2019, before opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2021, Solder announced his retirement from the NFL. He cited his family and his health as the main reasons for his decision. Solder has been open about his struggles with cancer, as his son was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015. Solder himself was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2014 but was able to make a full recovery.
Throughout his career, Solder was known for his size, strength, and athleticism. He was a reliable and consistent player, starting in 127 of the 144 games he played in the NFL. He was also known for his leadership and his work off the field, as he was involved in various charitable organizations and was a vocal advocate for cancer research.
In conclusion, Nate Solder had a successful career as an offensive tackle in the NFL, playing for the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. He won two Super Bowl championships and was known for his size, strength, and athleticism. He retired in 2021, citing his family and his health as the main reasons for his decision.
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