Solomon Thomas has been a role model New York Jets since signing with the team as a free agent this offseason. Because of his work both in the community and outside, one of the league’s most prestigious awards could be coming to the former third overall selection.
The New York Jets name Solomon Thomas their nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.
Thomas is a Co-Founder of the nonprofit The Defensive Line which has included a partnership with The Super Football Conference in New Jersey to speak with high school students about mental health, the 988 campaign with Dak Prescott and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and an educational panel for all of Paramount Global in October.
“It’s the highest of honors to be nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the New York Jets. I’m blessed to have a platform to impact lives and give back to help others,” said Thomas in a statement. “I believe it’s a duty of ours to uplift those fighting for better, a duty I will hold forever.”
As a nominee, Thomas will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.
On top of the accomplishments Thomas has made through his non-profit, he also has hosted a Youth Football Camp for middle and high school footballers in his hometown to learn from elite coaches and players providing a once in a lifetime experience for these young people.
For the holidays, Thomas hosted a Turkey Giveaway in partnership with Interfaith Food Pantry Network in Morris Plains, NJ, and will host a Shop with a Jock Christmas shopping spree with Boys and Girls Club of Hoboken which will provide the kids with a gift card from Walmart.
“Solomon exemplifies what it means to be a New York Jet,” Jets President Hymie Elhai said in the statement. “Since he has joined our organization, he has made a dramatic impact on mental health within the North Jersey Super Football Conference.”
As part of the nominee process, each team will have their nominees be highlighted and recognized for their important work during the weekend leading up to Super Bowl LVII.
The 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air the Thursday before Super Bowl LVII, on NBC.
