Solomon Thomas

Solomon Thomas is a nine-year NFL veteran and three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, known for his strength on the field and his compassion off it. A dominant defensive lineman, Thomas has played for the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets. Now returning home to Texas, he joins the Dallas Cowboys—proudly representing his hometown of Coppell on football’s biggest stage.

Off the field, Thomas is one of the NFL’s leading voices in mental health advocacy. Following the heartbreaking loss of his sister Ella to suicide in 2018, he co-founded The Defensive Line (TDL) with his parents, Martha and Chris. As Board Chair, Thomas leads TDL in its mission to end youth suicide—especially among young people of color—by transforming the way we communicate and connect around mental health.

Thomas’s advocacy has reached millions. He has shared Ella’s legacy across platforms including CNN, ESPN, The New York Times, NFL Network, and HBO’s Hard Knocks. He played a key role in launching the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, spoke at Paramount Global Mental Health panel, and has partnered with the NFL to expand mental wellness initiatives across the league.

His impact extends through partnerships with organizations such as the Super Football Conference in New Jersey, the 988 Lifeline campaign, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Crisis Text Line, Vibrant Emotional Health, and the Faith Fight Finish Foundation. As an ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Thomas continues to champion mentorship and youth empowerment.

A sought-after speaker, Thomas has delivered keynotes and participated in panels for AFSP, Mental Health America, Bring Change 2 Mind, Kick the Stigma, the NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, and the USC Annenberg Summit. He and his parents were honored with the AFSP Lifesaver Award in 2019, and in 2023, Thomas received the Heisman Trophy Trust Humanitarian Award for his profound impact off the field.

Beyond football and advocacy, Thomas is a passionate traveler, baker, and Broadway fan. With his girlfriend Kaylie and their dog Blicky, he enjoys exploring new cities, cuisines, and shows—having attended performances of MJ: The Musical, Shucked, & Juliet, SIX, Sweeney Todd, and more. His love for theater even inspired a team outing to MJ: The Musical for his Jets teammates, featured on Hard Knocks.

Through every chapter—on the field, in community spaces, and on national stages—Solomon Thomas continues to lead with purpose, proving that strength isn’t just measured in tackles, but in impact.