New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder has chosen not to participate in the 2020 NFL season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
He informed the Giants of his decision on Wednesday.
Solder cited family concerns, including her son’s battle with cancer and his own fight against cancer. He also has a newborn son.
pic.twitter.com/MnSrWmu73c
– Nate Solder (@soldernate) July 29, 2020
Solder’s son, Hudson, 5, was diagnosed with a rare Wilms tumor in both kidneys at a young age. Solder missed practices sometimes last year while his son had cancer treatments and checkups.
Solder, 32, is also a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during a routine physical exam prior to the 2014 season. He played that season for the New England Patriots.
Solder signed a four-year, $ 64 million contract with the Giants in 2018. He was ready to earn $ 13 million and have $ 19.5 million against this year’s salary cap.
Players considered high risk for COVID-19 can win $ 350,000 and a cumulative NFL season if they are excluded. Risk-free players can receive $ 150,000.
The Giants knew that Solder could choose not to participate this year. They had contingency plans in place, in part because they charged at tackle this offseason. Two of the Giants’ first three picks in this year’s draft were offensive tackles. They also signed veteran tackle swing Cameron Fleming as a free agent.
The Giants selected Andrew Thomas in fourth place at the University of Georgia and followed with Matt Peart of UConn in the third round. Thomas is likely to take over Solder’s left tackle now.
The Giants were due to have an open competition this summer. That won’t happen now, but they were understanding Solder’s decision.
“We have great respect for Nate as a person and a player,” said general manager Dave Gettleman. “When he called today, I told him it was faith, family, and soccer. He is doing what is best for his family.”
Solder was to meet with head coach Joe Judge, who was an assistant in New England, where Solder spent his first seven seasons in the NFL.
“I spoke to Nate this morning,” Judge said in a prepared statement. “We were together in New England, obviously, and he has always been a thoughtful and conscientious person. Finally, he made this decision because it is the right thing for him and his family. We support Nate, Lexi, and their (son) Hudson, (daughter ) Charlie and (son) Emerson. Our concern is for their health and well-being. “
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