Patriots' Solder details testicular cancer diagnosis: 'It can happen to anybody'

New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder is typically one of his team's quietest players, but he's speaking up to spread awareness about a disease he battled unexpectedly in 2014.

Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2014 and was fortunate to learn from doctors that the cancer hadn't spread beyond one testicle. Solder underwent surgery to have his cancerous testicle removed and was given a clean bill of health.

Months later, Solder celebrated a Super Bowl win with his teammates. 

Today, Solder is speaking up to let young men know they need to be vigilant in checking for testicular cancer. Almost half of all cases of testicular cancer are in men between the ages of 20 and 34, according to the American Cancer Society.

"I was completely healthy, I'm a professional athlete. It can happen to anybody," Solder told ESPN's Mike Reiss.

"It's more common than people realize. A lot of people are either afraid to do it, or they don't think it's important enough to get it checked. It's a simple check. Six months, a year, and then it starts spreading and then you start to feel symptoms and it's a more serious situation. So that's a big thing; you can save lives with early detection."