BURLINGTON, Mass. -- New England Patriots starting left tackle Nate Solder stood among 75 of his newest friends Wednesday morning as students at Francis Wyman Elementary School gave him a warm welcome. Solder's appearance was part of National Read Across America Day, in concert with the birthday of children's author Theodor Seuss Geisel -- a.k.a Dr. Seuss.
"This is neat," Solder said after reading two books and answering questions. "You get to encourage the kids to do more reading and have fun with it.
"I think that, as athletes, we have a responsibility to be role models, and to encourage them to read and to do things that will help them in their lifetime is huge.