Solomon Thomas
NEW YORK JETS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Tackle | Stanford University | 7 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Solomon Thomas is more than an exceptional athlete; he embodies the essence of authentic leadership, fostering meaningful connections with his teammates, on and off the field.
He's a productive run stopper, a disruptive pass rusher, and is often double and triple teamed allowing teammates to make plays that get the offense back on the field. His goal every day is to be the best player he can to make game changing plays, but Thomas also understands that excellence on the field begins in the locker room and in extensive daily preparation. He goes the extra mile to take care of himself and treats everyone in the organization with respect. Admired as a team leader, Thomas has taken players to see a Broadway show, cooked for them, gone out to eat, and checked on their families, all of which helps translate to on the field success.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Throughout this year, Thomas has prominently demonstrated his steadfast dedication to community initiatives.
After a devastating mass shooting rattled his home state of Texas in May 2023, he promptly extended his support to two families affected by contributing $24K to their GoFundMe campaigns. His personal connection to the Allen Premium Outlets, which he frequented with his late sister Ella, further motivated his desire to aid those affected by the tragedy.
After the shooting, Thomas publicly shared his message of mental health support, acknowledging emotional struggles as he sought to ensure the residents of Allen had access to resources for their mental well-being.
Further exemplifying his focus on devoting himself to mental health awareness, earlier this season, Thomas presented an impactful address to coaches and athletes at Texas Christian University as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention
workshop this week. A week following the event, the counseling director relayed that Thomas' words had contributed to facilitating an intervention for a student athlete grappling with suicidal thoughts.
Ongoing collaborations between Thomas' organization and Dak Prescott's Faith Fight Finish Foundation intensify efforts to combat mental health stigma and bolster suicide prevention. A recent video they produced was viewed over 20,000 times by educators in the Dallas Independent School District. In September 2023, Thomas and Prescott partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others to raise awareness of the new National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988 and the option to seek support by texting 741741. This collaborative effort provides vital assistance to those in need during critical times and resulted in an uptick in calls. Talks are also currently underway to create a league- wide awareness campaign about these resources.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Thomas was raised to serve, each year on the anniversary of his sister Ella's death, Thomas alongside his parents Martha and Chris prepare supply kits and quietly visit homeless camps around the Dallas area. Ella's suicide was the driving force behind Thomas' role as co-founder of the nonprofit organization The Defensive Line (TDL). Through the foundation, Thomas works tirelessly as a speaker, program director, and social media supervisor.
In 2018, Thomas' collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention not only symbolized his empowering dedication to mental health advocacy but also commemorated his sister's legacy as his walk teams successfully raised $250,000 for vital suicide research. In the 2021 season, Thomas reaffirmed his philanthropic dedication, vowing to contribute $2,000 to TDL for every sack. He also often donates his speaking fees to TDL, which bolsters critical suicide prevention programming for educators and coaches.
Since joining the Jets, he has partnered with twenty area high schools to select a mental health athlete of the month and each winner receives game tickets. The annual Solomon Thomas Football camp is also offered to his community at no cost. Hundreds of kids join him and his elite coaches for football training and mental health advice, pre-camp meditation, and encouragement.
Amid the 2022 water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, Thomas' influential contribution of $7K to local organizations helped hundreds of thousands without water. By speaking about mental health, he is breaking the cycle of athletes not sharing their struggles. He is empowering the next generation of young men to be more authentic and vulnerable.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Thomas believes in the power of making a positive impact that reaches far beyond the field. He aims to demonstrate empathy and compassion through his actions, hoping to bring a sense of comfort and relief to those who need it most.
Working with the Boys and Girls Club of New Jersey, he has the privilege of providing crucial guidance to young individuals, creating an environment that fosters their growth and development. Serving as an ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has allowed Thomas to mentor and inspire youth, instilling in them resilience and perseverance. Through his Christmas initiative, Shop with a Jock, Thomas has brought smiles to the faces of underprivileged children, giving them a sense of hope and possibility for a brighter future. Finally, coaching for the Jets' flag football program has not only allowed him to nurture young talent but has also fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and togetherness within the community.
But his work extends to other areas as well. His visits to hospitals and efforts to provide meals at shelters similarly stem from a genuine concern for the well-being of marginalized communities. Meeting veterans who are dealing with mental health challenges has also been a humbling experience for Thomas, and it drives his commitment to those who have selflessly served. He hopes to inspire others through his consistent demonstration of compassion and selflessness, showing that even one individual's dedication to serving others can leave an everlasting mark on the lives of many.
