NFL Defensive Tackle, Mental Health Advocate & Co-Founder of The Defensive Line
Solomon Thomas: Biography at a Glance
- Solomon Thomas is a Defensive Tackle for the New York Jets who was drafted by the 49ers with the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
- Solomon was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in two consecutive years in recognition of his positive impact beyond the game of football.
- In January 2018, Thomas’ sister died by suicide, and it became one of the most impactful moments of his life.
- He founded The Defensive Line, an organization on a mission to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color and male athletes, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health.
- Solomon has been a keynote speaker and panel member at several universities and events for American Foundation Suicide Prevention Gala, Mental Health America, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, Kick the Stigma, ESPN, NFL Network, CNN, and more.
- On stage, he shares his uplifting message and profound belief that every individual holds extraordinary value, deserving a life of wellness. He also provides tangible, evidence-based strategies to help prevent suicide among loved ones and in your community.
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Biography
Solomon Thomas is a Defensive Tackle for the New York Jets of the NFL and is the Co-Founder of The Defensive Line. He landed in New York after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and one season with Las Vegas Raiders. During his second season with the Niners, Solomon and his family experienced an unimaginable and tragic loss. On January 23, 2018, his big sister Ella died by suicide. Solomon has dedicated his life to sharing Ella’s story and has worked with a myriad of nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and secure funds for mental health and suicide prevention work.
Solomon was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in two consecutive years in recognition of his positive impact beyond the game of football.
Solomon has been a keynote speaker and panel member at several universities and events for American Foundation Suicide Prevention Gala, Mental Health America, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, Felton Group, NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, Kick the Stigma, ESPN, NFL Network, CNN, Bring Change 2 Mind, and USC Annenberg Summit. He was also the recipient of the AFSP Lifesavers Award with his parents, Martha and Chris, and has publications in ESPN magazine and Players' Tribune.
