Solomon Thomas. For many, the name first brings to mind the imposing figure of an NFL defensive lineman, the raw power of a Stanford standout, and the high expectations that accompanied his No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. As of May 2025, he’s embarking on a new chapter with the Dallas Cowboys, bringing his tenacity to a new defensive front. Yet, to truly understand Solomon Thomas is to look far beyond the yard lines and the quarterback pressures. His most profound impact, the one that resonates deeply with countless individuals and answers the most pressing questions people ask online, lies in his courageous journey through immense personal tragedy and his unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy.
This is the story of a man who has navigated the highs and lows of professional sports, faced unimaginable grief, and emerged as a beacon of hope, proving that true strength is found not just in physical prowess, but in vulnerability, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of helping others.
The Early Promise: From Stanford Star to Top NFL Draft Pick
Solomon Thomas’s path to the NFL was paved with athletic brilliance and academic dedication. At Stanford University, he wasn’t just a football player; he was a force. As a defensive lineman for the Cardinal, he terrorized offensive lines, earning accolades such as the Morris Trophy in 2016 (awarded to the Pac-12’s most outstanding defensive lineman), a Third-team All-American selection, and First-team All-Pac-12 honors the same year. His performance in the 2016 Sun Bowl, where he was named MVP, was a showcase of his disruptive potential.
His collegiate success made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers, recognizing his talent and potential, selected him with the third overall pick. With such a high draft position came immense expectations; he was seen as a cornerstone player who could transform their defense for years to come.
Navigating the NFL Landscape: A Resilient Career
The NFL is an unforgiving league, and the journey of a high draft pick is rarely a straight line to stardom. Thomas’s career has been a testament to resilience, adaptation, and continued growth through various challenges.
San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020): The Weight of Expectation
Joining the 49ers, Thomas was immediately thrust into the spotlight. His rookie season saw him start 12 of 14 games, recording 41 tackles and 3 sacks. While he showed flashes of the player he could be, his initial years were marked by a search for consistent impact and the right fit within the defensive scheme. Some analysts and fans questioned if he was living up to the “No. 3 overall pick” label, a common query that still surfaces in online discussions (“Is Solomon Thomas a bust?”).
It’s crucial to understand that a player’s development is multifaceted. Scheme fit, coaching changes, and unforeseen setbacks play significant roles. For Thomas, his versatility, which allowed him to play both inside and on the edge, sometimes made it challenging to nail down a singular, dominant role early on. His journey was further complicated by a devastating torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, an injury that prematurely ended his year and marked the end of his tenure with the 49ers after they declined his fifth-year option. Despite the challenges, he contributed to a 49ers team that reached Super Bowl LIV.
A New Chapter: Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Hitting free agency, Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2021 season. This move offered a fresh start. With the Raiders, he played in all 17 games, primarily as a rotational defensive lineman. He tallied 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute and showcasing his resilience after the significant knee injury. This period was crucial in proving his durability and value beyond his early years in San Francisco.
Productivity and Purpose with the New York Jets (2022-2024)In March 2022, Solomon Thomas found a new home with the New York Jets, a team coached by Robert Saleh, who was his defensive coordinator in San Francisco. This familiarity seemed to benefit Thomas, who carved out a significant role in the Jets’ defensive line rotation over three seasons.
With the Jets, he became a reliable and productive player. In 2022, he played in all 17 games, contributing 26 tackles. The 2023 season was a standout, where he recorded a career-high 5 sacks, showcasing his disruptive pass-rushing ability. He continued to be a consistent presence in 2024. His impact wasn’t just measured in stats; his work ethic, positive attitude, and veteran presence were valuable to a young Jets team. More significantly, it was during his time with the Jets that his off-field advocacy truly flourished, leading to him being named the team’s nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award for two consecutive years, an honor recognizing a player’s excellence on the field and philanthropic contributions off it.
The Latest Move: Joining “America’s Team” – The Dallas Cowboys (2025-Present)In March 2025, Solomon Thomas embarked on the latest phase of his NFL journey, signing a two-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, reportedly worth around $6 million to $8 million, with $3 million guaranteed. This move brings him back to Texas, where he attended Coppell High School.
As of May 2025, Thomas is preparing for the upcoming NFL season with the Cowboys. His addition is seen as a move to bolster the Cowboys’ defensive line depth, bringing a versatile player who can contribute against both the run and the pass. Fans and analysts are keen to see how he fits into Dallas’s defensive scheme and what kind of impact he can make for a team with perennial playoff aspirations. The move also brings him closer to his family and the heart of his foundation’s work.
Beyond the Gridiron: Solomon Thomas’s Profound Impact on Mental Health
While his NFL career is noteworthy, Solomon Thomas’s most enduring legacy is being forged in his passionate and deeply personal advocacy for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This part of his life, born from unimaginable pain, answers the most heartfelt and urgent questions people search for online regarding him and his family.
The Unspeakable Loss: Ella Thomas, His Beloved Sister
On January 23, 2018, the Thomas family’s world was irrevocably shattered. Solomon’s older sister, Ella Thomas, died by suicide at the age of 24. Ella was described by Solomon as his “best friend forever,” his protector, and his life coach. They were incredibly close, navigating life’s challenges together. Ella herself had struggled with anxiety and depression, even courageously sharing some of her experiences publicly.
Her death plunged Solomon into a period of profound grief, anxiety, and depression. He has openly spoken about the darkness he experienced, the suicidal ideations he battled, and the immense difficulty of processing such a traumatic loss, especially while in the public eye as a professional athlete. He initially found it hard to talk about his feelings or even the nature of Ella’s death, a common and painful experience for those bereaved by suicide due to the surrounding stigma.
A Voice for the Voiceless: Solomon’s Advocacy
Solomon Thomas has become one of the most prominent and courageous advocates for mental health in professional sports. He uses his platform to:
Share His Story Vulnerably: In numerous interviews, articles, and speaking engagements (with outlets like ESPN, CNN, The New York Times, and People magazine), he has candidly discussed his grief, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and the therapy that he says “saved his life.” This raw honesty is incredibly powerful in destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Challenge Masculine Stereotypes: The NFL, and sports in general, often operate within a culture of stoicism and toughness where vulnerability can be misconstrued as weakness. Thomas is actively working to dismantle this by showing that true strength includes acknowledging emotional pain and seeking help.
Promote Help-Seeking Behavior: He consistently encourages anyone struggling to reach out, talk to someone, and utilize resources like therapy and crisis hotlines. He has been involved in campaigns like the one for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Collaborate and Inspire: He works with various non-profit organizations, participates in panel discussions, and speaks to young people, aiming to create a ripple effect of positive change.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. He received the Heisman Humanitarian Award in 2023, a testament to his significant contributions to the mental health space. His multiple nominations for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award further highlight his commitment.
FAQs
Who is Solomon Thomas?
Solomon Thomas is a professional American football defensive lineman born on December 20, 1995. He currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He was drafted third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers after a standout college career at Stanford University.
What teams has Solomon Thomas played for?
Thomas has played for four NFL teams:
San Francisco 49ers (2017–2020)
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
New York Jets (2022–2024)
Dallas Cowboys (2025–present)
What are Solomon Thomas’s career stats?
As of the end of the 2024 season, Thomas has recorded:
18.5 career sacks
Over 150 combined tackles
Multiple forced fumbles and pass deflections
How did he perform in the 2024 season?
In 2024 with the New York Jets, Thomas played in 16 games, tallying 26 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
What is his role with the Dallas Cowboys?
Thomas signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Cowboys in March 2025. He is expected to bring veteran leadership and depth to the defensive line, reuniting with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, under whom he previously played with the Jets.
Has Solomon Thomas dealt with any significant injuries?
Yes, Thomas has faced several injuries:
In 2020, he suffered a torn ACL while with the 49ers.
In 2024, he dealt with a knee issue but was able to return to play shortly after.
What is his off-field impact?
Following the tragic loss of his sister Ella to suicide in 2018, Thomas co-founded The Defensive Line, a nonprofit organization aimed at ending youth suicide, particularly among people of color. His advocacy has earned him multiple nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
Where did Solomon Thomas grow up?
Thomas grew up in Coppell, Texas, making his signing with the Dallas Cowboys a homecoming.
What was his college football career like?
At Stanford University, Thomas was a dominant force on the defensive line. In 2016, he recorded 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, leading to his selection as the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
What is his jersey number with the Cowboys?
Thomas wears jersey number 90 for the Dallas Cowboys.
To conclude
Solomon Thomas’s journey through the NFL is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference both on and off the field. From being a top draft pick to facing and overcoming injuries, Thomas has consistently demonstrated determination and professionalism.
His move to the Dallas Cowboys not only marks a new chapter in his professional career but also brings him back to his roots in Texas. With his experience and leadership, he is poised to make a significant impact on the Cowboys’ defensive line.
Beyond football, Thomas’s dedication to mental health advocacy through The Defensive Line showcases his commitment to using his platform for positive change. His efforts have brought attention to critical issues and provided support to countless individuals facing mental health challenges.
As he continues his career with the Cowboys, fans and observers alike will be watching not only his performance on the field but also his continued contributions to important causes off the field. Solomon Thomas exemplifies the qualities of a true professional athlete: talent, perseverance, and a heart for service.
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