New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder announced Wednesday that he will opt-out of the 2020 NFL season, becoming the latest player to decide not to play football this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solder, projected to be New York’s starting left tackle this season, released a statement on Twitter explaining his decision for skipping the upcoming season and how his own health history and his son’s battle with cancer played a role.
Giants OT Nate Solder opts out of 2020 season due to COVID-19 health risks
The 32-year-old tackle signed with New York during the 2018 offseason after winning two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. He hasn’t missed a game in the past three seasons, making 32 consecutive starts for the Giants at left tackle.
Solder, who is 6-foot-8 and 325 lbs, revealed a few years ago that was diagnosed with cancer before the 2014 season. Fortunately, the testicular cancer was caught before it spread and he was able to return.
Doctors discovered a tumor in the kidneys of Solder’s son when he was an infant. He still undergoes chemotherapy regularly to help fight the cancer and is part of the reason why Solder will opt-out of the upcoming season.
Players who voluntarily opt-out will receive a $150,000 stipend that would be paid back next year. Furthermore, their contract carries over into 2021. If a player is deemed high-risk for COVID-19, they get a $350,000 stipend and receive a year of service.
What NFL players are opting out?
As of Wednesday, 27 NFL players have decided to exercise their opt-out clause for the 2020 NFL season. Players have until Aug. 4, at the earliest, to determine if they will sit out this season. Under the NFL’s rules, they will not be allowed to return this year.
- New England Patriots: Patrick Chung, Dont’a Hightower, Marcus Cannon, Brandon Bolden, Danny Vitale, Najee Toran
- Baltimore Ravens: Andre Smith, De’Anthony Thomas
- Dallas Cowboys: Maurice Canady, Stephen Guidry
- New Orleans Saints: Cole Wick, Jason Vander Laan
- Kansas City Chiefs: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
- Buffalo Bills: Star Lotulelei
- Carolina Panthers: Jordan Mack
- Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman
- Denver Broncos: Kyle Peko
- Green Bay Packers: Devin Funchess
- Houston Texans: Eddie Vanderdoes
- Minnesota Vikings: Michael Pierce
- New York Jets: Leo Koloamatangi
- Philadelphia Eagles: Marquise Goodwin
- Seattle Seahawks: Chance Warmack
- Tennessee Titans: Anthony McKinney
- Washington Football Team: Caleb Brantley
- Free Agent: Larry Warford