Colorado University Athletics
Solder Preps For Super Sunday, Reflects On Journey
"A lot of hard work," Solder, who at 6-8 and 319 pounds is as understated as he is oversized, said when asked about his journey that has led to the grandest of stages in Indianapolis.
A consensus All-American and Outland Trophy finalist in 2010 at Colorado, the offensive tackle was drafted 17th overall in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by New England. He played in all 16 of the Patriots' games, and started 13 in being named to Pro Football Weekly's All-Rookie Team.
"It was a learning experience," he said on his adjustment to the NFL in his rookie season. "I learned from it this year and I continue to learn every day, and I'm going to continue to learn in the years to come. I need to keep improving on a lot of my technique and things like that because it's just a different game than it was in college. I have a lot of room to improve, for sure."
Solder is seeking to become the seventh Buffalo to earn a Super Bowl ring in his rookie season, and the first since Tom Ashworth, also a Patriots offensive lineman, in 2001. Overall, CU has had 31 different alumni win 47 Super Bowl rings as Solder hopes to become No. 32. "It's the pinnacle of what everyone works for in the NFL. To be a part of it and if we win it, it would be a really unique, amazing experience," he said on the possibility of winning a ring as a rookie.
Despite his small town roots, Solder doesn't expect to be distracted by the spectacle of the Super Bowl. Head coach Bill Belichick and New England's core group of leaders will make sure of that, as Solder opined, "I think it helps that Belichick has been there a number of times. A lot of the leaders have been there at least once and were there in 2007. I think that really helps to keep guys focused with that kind of leadership."
Starter at right tackle in both of the Patriots' playoff victories, the Buffs were guaranteed at least one representative at the Super Bowl as Solder faced former CU cornerback Jimmy Smith (also a rookie) and offensive lineman Andre Gurode of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. Smith intercepted Tom Brady with 7:22 left in the game on an outstanding diving catch of a deflected ball in the end zone. "I did talk to Jimmy (after the game), to just congratulate him on a good season and he made that spectacular play, so I had to say, 'nice play,'" Solder said on reuniting with his fellow 2011 first round draft pick, the first pair of Buffs to both be selected in the first round since Chris Naeole and Rae Carruth in 1997.
The Ravens' offense stalled following Smith's interception, and their field goal attempt in the final minute missed wide left, sending the Patriots to Indianapolis. "It took a second before it registered that it was the end of the game," Solder said on watching Billy Cundiff's missed kick. "I was ecstatic. It was neat to be with that group of guys. Over the course of the year you build strong relationships, and it was just neat that we were all together and did that whole thing together."