Sports

Nate Solder: A lot to be grateful for

Foxboro — Nate Solder is back playing football.  His son Hudson is well on the road to recovery and because of those two wonderful things, the 28 year old Patriots left tackle can't contain his enthusiasm.

"Oh man, I'm so excited to be out here. Been a while since i've been able to play, so I'm so excited about that. My son is doing awesome. Treatment is going well and we've been getting so many prayers and messages from so many people that we just appreciate it so, so much", said an enthusiastic Solder after Thursday's practice in Foxboro as he spoke with FOX25 Sports Director Tom Leyden.

Solder's one year old son, Hudson, was diagnosed with kidney cancer shortly after he was born last July.  Solder himself battled and overcame testicular cancer in 2014.  On top of that, Solder's 2015 football season ended in Week 5, when he tore his bicep against the Dallas Cowboys.

These events have changed Solder's perspective on life.

"Wow, it's been a long couple of years," said Solder. "And not playing last year and everything that happened with my family certainly has changed my perspective but I'm so glad to be out here and so thankful for that opportunity".

After Thursday's Patriots first training camp practice, Solder and his wife, Lexi, played with their son Hudson on the field.  It was a heartwarming sight to see indeed.