NFL Defensive Tackle, Mental Health Advocate & Co-Founder of The Defensive Line
NFL Defensive Tackle, Mental Health Advocate & Co-Founder of The Defensive Line
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 has been a keynote speaker and panel member at 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 has also been the recipient of the 2019 AFSP Lifesavers Award with his parents, Martha and Chris, and has publications in ESPN magazine and Players Tribune.