Cowboys’ Solomon Thomas opens up about suicide, urges students to seek help after losing teammate to mental health crisis.
DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Solomon Thomas delivered an emotional message about mental health to student-athletes at South Oak Cliff High School on Tuesday, less than two weeks after losing a teammate to suicide.
Thomas spoke candidly about the importance of seeking help and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for male athletes who often feel pressure to “man up” and act tough.
Thomas’ sister died by suicide in 2018 at age 24. His teammate, Marshawn Kneeland, also died by suicide less than two weeks ago at the same age.
“I knew my sister struggled with mental health, but never in a million years did I think that she wouldn’t be here,” Thomas told students. “She’s been gone for about eight years now, and I miss her every day. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think, What did I miss? What didn’t I see? Because of the loss of losing someone to suicide, that pain is in your heart every day. There is a hole in my heart every day.”
The Cowboys player emphasized to the gathered students that asking for help demonstrates courage, not weakness, and that checking on friends shows leadership.
In honor of his sister, Thomas and his family founded The Defensive Line, an organization focused on youth suicide prevention. On Tuesday, the organization presented Dallas ISD with a $10,000 check to support mental health services at the school.
Former Cowboys safety Kenny Gant also participated in the visit, sharing his own battle with depression and suicidal thoughts despite winning two Super Bowls with Dallas. Gant stressed that people never know what struggles others may be facing.
The school visit is part of a larger effort, with more appearances planned for the future. Thomas said that if he can reach even one student, the effort is worthwhile.
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.