Nate Solder, New England’s rookie offensive tackle, started 13 of 16 regular season games this year, and was an immediate asset to help protect quarterback Tom Brady and open up running lanes. The offensive line played admirably against the tough Giants pass rush in the Super Bowl, as they limited the Giants to 2 sacks, and frequently made plenty of time for Brady to find the receivers down field.
Unfortunately, excellent coverage in the secondary and a couple of key drops ultimately cost the Patriots the game. Pro Player Insiders caught up with Solder in preparation for the game, and even for a rookie, he recognized the difficulty of reaching this level.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience,” Solder said. “It’s a matter of enjoying it, absorbing it, and taking it in because I never know when I’m going to be back.”
As a key part of the Patriots offensive line, the 6-foot-8, 320 pound tackle is going to be around for years to come, and playing with the Patriots, he is likely to get another shot. After this season’s disappointment, he’s going to be chomping at the bit to get back.
PPI: In terms of preparation, what kinds of things do you do to get ready for games and will it change at all this week?
N.S.: Well it’s going to be a lot of game study with film, it’s going to be a lot of work with the coaches, on-field practices at a high level, those are all important.
PPI: On game day, do you have any quirky rituals that you go through before getting ready?
N.S.: No its standard, I’m just getting my pads on and stuff.
PPI: Any certain music or food that you eat before?
N.S.: Nope, (laughing) I just kind of keep a standard way of living.
PPI: Off the field, what kind of things do you get into when you’re not playing football?
N.S.: When I have time I like to camp, I love to fish, I’ve been hunting since I was young so those are the sort of things.
PPI: What does being able to play in the Super Bowl mean to you?
N.S.: It’s unbelievable . . . a once in a lifetime experience. It’s a matter of enjoying it, absorbing it, and taking it in because I never know when I’m going to be back.
