NFL players are showing us that family and cancer comes before football. Three such players have disclosed cancer-diagnoses in their families; while two are survivors themselves.
At a time when many in the U.S. balk at wearing masks, these players have made a difficult, high-stakes decision, in order to minimize their own risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus and possibly bringing it home to their immune-compromised loved ones.
Father-Son Survivors
Read More— Nate Solder (@soldernate) July 29, 2020
“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,” Solder 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.”
“He added that he will "deeply miss my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Giants organization.”
Solder, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, signed a four-year, $62 million contract with the Giants, with $35 million guaranteed, in March 2018. At the time, it made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
“My Mom Is My Rock”
After his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams said he will opt out of the upcoming NFL season.
“I'm dealing with a family matter, my mom was just diagnosed with cancer and it's Stage 4, so that was my decision,” Williams said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “My mom is my rock, my everything, so during a hard time like this, I think I should be next to her every step.”
Williams, who did not reveal the type of cancer his mother is facing, said he discussed the decision with his family, but his mother supported him, either way.
Williams, who did not reveal the type of cancer his mother is facing, said he discussed the decision with his family, but his mother supported him, either way.
"My mom was just like, whatever's your decision, I’m behind you. It was hard," Williams said of the decision. "Football is my life and coming off a championship and wanting a repeat and I know they're going to handle that but at the end of the day, it was something personal I had to handle.”
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Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivor Faces Risk
L.A. Rams player, Chandler Brewer underwent six weeks of radiation treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2018. He, too, has chosen not to play during the 2020 NFL season, the Rams announced on Friday.
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"With my history with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, I am at high risk and will opt out of playing in the NFL this season," Brewer said in a release from the NFL team. "I would like to thank the Rams for their support, and I look forward to getting back on the field in 2021 and beyond."
The decision is both an emotional and a financial one: Players considered high risk for COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to opt out of the season. Players without risk can earn $150,000 for opting out, according to ESPN.
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