Nate Solder, New York Giants offensive tackle, has decided to opt of the 2020 NLF season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that God’s help and guidance led him to the difficult decision in an announcement on social media last week.<\/p>\n
“My family and I have been praying, wrestling, and listening to God about our current circumstances and whether it is best to play football this season. Our primary goal is to pursue God and listen to the Holy Spirit in everything we do. As hard as that can be and as daunting as what He asks us to do can seem, we have come to believe, trust, and wait on the Lord. This is why we have chosen to pause for this season,” the statement read.<\/p>\n
Solder’s family has several health concerns that make contracting COVID-19 even scarier. Additionally, the family just welcomed a new baby into their home.<\/p>\n
“Our family has health concerns, most notably our son’s ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer. We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring, a baby boy,” the father said. “With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children’s health and the health of our neighbors comes before football.”<\/p>\n
Solder’s son, Hudson, was diagnosed with rare Wilms tumors in his kidneys in 2015 when the boy was just three months old. He underwent surgery to have one of the tumors removed last year and underwent a third round of chemotherapy during Solder’s 2019 season.<\/p>\n
Solder added that he knows taking a break from his job is a privilege and that he will miss his teammates and coaches.<\/p>\n
“As scary and bleak as it sometimes can be, we know that God of the universe has all things under His control, and His plans are and will always be for our good,” he concluded.<\/p>\n
The NFL is offering players who are considered high-risk for contracting COVID-19 the opportunity to sit out the season. Per the agreement, athletes who choose the option will receive a $350,000 stipend for the season and their contracts will be tolled until the following season.
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