New England Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder played all of 2014 after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and now he's doing best to spread awareness.

It was his annual physical in April of last year that yielded a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Thankfully, it was early enough so the cancer hadn't spread and doctors were able to remove the testicle.

Nate Solder was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2014, played EVERY GAME that season, caught a TD pass, and helped the team win the Super Bowl.

Football players are routinely called the toughest athletes in sports, but what makes Solder the toughest isn't his ability to move other 300 lb men around a field for 60 minutes. It's his courage.

"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."

After his experience with cancer, Solder now wants to help spread awareness.

Lucky for him his job requires a physical that could detect things like cancer. Others have to be proactive about it. It's a simple check that could end up saving your life.

About 1 of every 263 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during his life. It is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men with diagnosis coming to those around 33 years of age.

So do yourself a favor and get yourself checked out.

 

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