NYJ Solomon Thomas Shares His Family’s Loss in Hopes of Helping Others in Mental Health | The Pivot

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“It’s ok to not be ok” as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to make sure that we all understand it shouldn’t be just one month dedicated to check in on our people but it’s something we should remember to do as often as we can.
Today we are bringing you a special show and are extremely grateful to New York Jets Defensive Tackle, Solomon Thomas for opening up and sharing his story with the world on how tragedy struck his family and using that loss to help others work through depression, anxiety and understand mental health affects us all, no matter how strong we are.
As the 2017, number 3 overall NFL draft pick, Solomon entered the league filled with positive expectations and a path of promise with the 49ers when a year later, his beautiful sister took her own life after struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Solomon courageously and emotionally shares how his sister struggled with certain sides of her mental health and how her life ending tragedy became a painful lesson and teaching tool for his life’s purpose beyond playing football.
Dealing with the aftermath and fighting through guilt while overcoming the stigma that being a NFL player makes him tough or not allowed to feel certain emotions, Solomon created a foundation and dedicated a large part of his life to helping others and being an advocate for mental health in his sister’s memory.
Relying on his NFL family to keep him grounded and football still being his number one passion, Solomon formed a special bond and turned to Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott who shared a similar family tragedy as him, and used the strength Dak portrayed to help guide him on his purpose outside of the NFL. Dak showed Solomon that it’s ok to not be on certain days and helped inspire him to turn his loss into faith for others who may be helped by hearing his story.
Although this conversation is a tough one to have, it’s an important one filled with vulnerability and accountability in overcoming certain life obstacles while maintaining the strength to accept the emotions associated with struggle.
Tap in every Tuesday at noon Eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special NFL seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on an upcoming Pivot special episode!

[@billyblackmon4796]

what an introduction. pure power. expressed better than anyone else could have.

[@HJ2K_]

I got chills when Solomon said "We lose so many people to suicide and its the most preventable death" such a simple statement that hits hard as hell 💔

[@JackSheaStokes]

Me and my boys ask each other every week, "Are you good, how's your head"? We need too look out for each other, men and women. Always ask your friends how they're doing and let them know they always have an ear to listen to their problems.

[@letsbeencouraged3074]

That’s wonderful 😇

[@aarev100]

The intro got me. I know I’m not okay but I paint a picture every day like I am. I’ve learned to say it’s okay not to be okay. With that I may hide my issue but I check my son’s mental state regularly. It’s a battle daily but I’m winning with every breath I take each and every day with God’s blessing.

[@otiscampbell9574]

Praying for you brother. There someone who cares!

[@aarev100]

@@otiscampbell9574 thank you 🙏🏽

[@calvinallume4365]

You gotta lot to live for man, you strong whether you believe it or not. I believe in you even if no one else does

[@aarev100]

@@calvinallume4365 thank you 🙏

[@ChasinStuds]

Couldn't of said it better myself. Well said

[@victorpinkney1646]

RC is just a dope individual!

[@theDanceStandard]

They all are pretty dope in my opinion. It's their collective dopeness that gave us the Pivot Podcast!

[@devonjames8006]

Goosebumps from intro to end. Great show today fellas. RC YOU A WEAPON! Keep ‘em coming

[@SamuelAdu-Addison]

Felt like I was alone in the middle of an ocean sitting face-to-face with Ryan and just listening to wisdom. Amazing how words when voiced out the right way at the right time can move mountains. May we never see the moments where ''dogs lick tears'' of pain away from our eyes. Jah bless and have mercy on all of us!

[@user-pu2pq9es4d]

I fucking LOVE THIS PODCAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!÷÷÷÷❤

[@Blackrosey]

When I say THE PIVOT IS TOP TIER🙌🏾 I love the commodity among MEN and how fluid you all are. This show is a serious and deep one but to have the ability to keep it serious but take the heaviness out of it. RC, FRED, CHAN thank you for establishing a platform and a comfortable place for people to be people! May God continue to bless this brand and all that is involved. But my eyes were stinging😢

[@victoruzondu]

It is THE BEST POD on KZbin and I aint capping. the show has everything.

[@Qotdtonyroberts]

Great show this is why I say we need classes in school on Trauma

[@justme8233]

Florida gets a bad rep, but my school district does a great job with this. I should know…I’m part of the team that presents to students with permission. Of course.

[@SloanJordan]

My grandmother took her own life out of nowhere 10 years ago and it’s still something that’s challenging to think about or really process so it just becomes easier to shut it out or pretend it didn’t happen. Props to RC and Solomon for opening up and being able to talk about this. Proud jets fan we got this man representing us. If you can’t talk about it, you can’t heal from it.

[@jasonbilly5247]

God bless you brother 💯

[@williamwalton5263]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤❤❤❤

[@evelynm7644]

❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jerrowarro]

i love yalls vulnerable episodes like this. so relatable and great for others to know they’re not alone.

[@reginaldrobinson987]

First off congrats on the podcast. I'm not a former player, but the information that you guys share with us is both entertaining as well as informative. You have given me the confidence to really look at the person in the mirror, and not for cosmetic purposes, but the actual man in the mirror. Thank you.

[@jholmes7770]

😢 important for our community...

[@Co11ective333]

Awareness is important for all community's around the world.

[@jholmes7770]

Add again these are comments... That keep black and athletic communities from talkin about mental Health... I know all lives matter 🙏🏿😄...

[@M901Legend]

Deep conversations

[@Rodnyet]

This episode with Solomon Thomas is so relatable to me because it's something I have been dealing with for years now. Mental illness is a serious thing and sometimes you get so tired that you just want to quit. By the grace of God I'm still here and I will continue to fight this illness. So thank you Solomon Thomas for sharing your story and thank you fellas for this episode. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@missfavoured]

Whatever you’re going through, know you’re never ever alone. It’s always advisable to talk with the right people about it to unload whatever bothers. As I’m writing to you, I’m going through my own situation but one thing I know, life is worth to be living to the fullest because you’re destined to live. God bless!

[@humbletrucker853]

DEEEEEP!!!! Prayers to everyone in the video and to those who watch it

[@jamescorie6967]

Am homeless and days are very hard for me and I been having dark thoughts in today was one of them and I saw this episode and it means a lot to me I need help and this was a pieces thank you

[@sheilasmith3123]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@brandonmoore2745]

I lost my mentor, my uncle , and one of my closest friends to suicide. They were the strongest men I ever met. This episode helped me a lot and I hope it helps everyone who needs it

[@AK1892]

Rc your opening story made me tear up. I needed this… i truly needed this episode. Thank you.

[@ummof2167]

My pivot boys knock it out the park like they always do I love you Freddy Flowers 💐💐💐 Crazy and funny Channing 😂and RC the glue which completes the beautiful Triangle 🔺

[@dollypartonshairstylist9752]

I’ve known Solomon since middle school. I ran lines with him on the hill of the YCMA. His mom is a beloved substitute teacher. Ella was so kind and beautiful. I can tell you he’s always been an incredible athlete, but an even better person. Dude has been through it, but he always rises up to the occasion. An incredible role model for us all.

[@derrickwilliams4121]

That first 4 minutes....man RC has a gift

[@tristanxjason]

This started amazingly my eyes started to water. Jets gang

[@ThaFean57]

Damn bro im 3 minutes in and im emotional af already. Rc reflecting on that situation gave me chills

[@stevenmartin97]

This is so true,the brain is an amazing thing and we are all wired differently.Sometimes you have to check yoself and just talk to someone.Don’t try to do it on your own.

[@kristalaikens8030]

Thank you for making this episode. I deal with mental health and my husband doesn’t. This made him understand me more and he is asking me questions and trying his best to help me. I love that man.

[@fine_art_wr]

RC, this intro was POWERFUL! I’m in tears. So we’ll said and so sorry for your loss. I’ve had mental struggles most of my life and it’s the most difficult thing to experience. I thank God for His peace and strength daily. 💕

[@ronaldbryant7710]

I know how this feels since I lost my baby sister to COVID in 2021, and I think about her everyday, but I am a child of Jesus Christ and I have a great relationship with Him and I know she was saved and that gives me a peace. I know God don’t make any mistakes which gives me a peace knowing my sister is in a better place.

[@phlip9037]

Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others. This episode is the sauce of what makes this podcast fly so high.

[@patricehoulemard3322]

“The road is long with many a winding turn” “He ain’t heavy… he’s my Brother” God helps those who helps themselves! Thank you! Pivot another necessary excellent conversation! Stay safe everyone 🙏🏾

[@msmel922]

No words.. just prayers ...and grateful and appreciative of this show and topic

[@elmullins4219]

THANK YOU FAM. RC i hate to cry. Thank you Thank you Thank you. FRED TAYLOR you are my hero. Channing C you are amazing. SOLOMON my husband suffers suffers suffers. But you give him hope. This episode let him know hes not alone.😊

[@josephcouto9192]

This is.... wow you guys. Great job. CHECK ON YOUR BOYS!

[@curtismcgheejrmusic]

Man, this episode is means so much to me. I lost my sister about 6 years ago, and I am just now understanding how to grieve. Thank you guys for what you do. I would have never known Solomon Thomas's story about his sister. Man, thank Jesus for you guys. I mean that seriously.

[@Rose-A-Day]

❤this was amazing. The pivot never misses.

[@quintinhudgens3329]

This is why I love the Pivot!!!

[@aleciaburch3251]

These are the episodes that are so necessary 😢

[@user-dt2uw8tt3d]

I have lost family and friends to suicide. I remember my closest friend in the world was going through a dark time. He said you can't understand my pain. It's like you're in the deepest darkest hole and all you want in relief. Several years later I understood all to well. If not for the love of my close inner circle I wouldn't be here today. I always say Remember to check on your people because silence can be deadly. If you are troubled, reach out. It's the toughest thing you will ever do but it will bring you the greatest rewards. If someone reaches out to you, don't judge. Reach out to them with love and an open heart. You never know when one kind act can be the difference.

[@billmann7362]

This was one of the most emotional, powerful and vulnerable videos/podcasts ever. Thank you.

[@kahlilblake693]

Wow!! That intro! 😢😢😢! Let me get myself together so I can watch the actual show.

[@gregorygardner413]

4 minutes in...THAT was a helluva intro. This is why I love you guys. 💪🏾💯

[@chrisbirch7735]

That opening was so on point!!! Thank you Nupe!!! And thank you to The Pivot Podcast!

[@King_Rayy_The_Entertainer]

Well some lost a Family member a Friend, but I know this feeling I lost my SON to suicide 12/25/2022 even my son’s therapist was in shock my son went out for a walk on Christmas Day and never came back! I miss my baby boy 😢 and he was being bullied 😞

[@KingKratos79]

😢😢😢😢😔😔😔😔😔

[@missfavoured]

Condolence to you and your family. May God strengthen you and your family.

[@sandrahawkins7455]

So very sorry, God bless you

[@cmo9011]

Thank you for shining this spotlight. I lost my pops last May to suicide. Mental Health Awareness is so important

[@markpurdy-silva4092]

Wow. From the conversation of honesty, vulnerability, and the respect for life, I appreciate you boys. You men. At 45 having a nine year old daughter, that I rarely get a chance to share my wisdom with to also have another broken past the life, wisdom, and open heart in this you guys share sins, a beam of light and confidence, and just comfort in my life. I appreciate you folks, and it is important to continue to believe and make the pivot! Big up! And One Love to the men that created this and all your team. Imua

[@markpurdy-silva4092]

Sends a BEAM OF LIGHT INTO THIS LIFE! Keep sharing wisdom and keep igniting hearts

[@Carolinakid1984]

This hit me fam, lost my sister going on 10 years and it still hurts. A lot of sleepless nights and tears and yes depression. It's ok to get help

[@derrellbarron3890]

I lost my father to suicide 6 years ago this past February and today is his birthday. Watching this episode has just broken me down thinking about him. I’m at work and hiding the tears. I really do appreciate listening to motivational stories and experiences that you guys have provided.

[@bobbysolorio3340]

Man RC is just so well spoken and knows not only what to say and where to say it, but most importantly, he knows how to say it.

[@curttheconnector1907]

It is okay, to not be okay....Im praying for anyone reading this to know that it shows strength to ask for help and assistance. Congrats to anyone that has been willing to open up and ask for help

[@chall1307]

Greetings & love from B.R., Louisiana fellas!❤ RC, the intro was deep and heartfelt. RC, Fred, Channing, and guest thanks for this episode. Ok, let me finish watching... 9:19

[@melissatodd8968]

What an episode! Very touching to end with his sister’s quote.

[@bobbyhill3rd242]

The Pivot Show is my therapy and my therapist.

[@pjoyner594]

You guys all have done so well in your presentations. This one unexpectant, but once again you all have done a stellar job at bringing forth an issue that so many otherwise may not be aware. "It's okay not to be okay" is a mantra for which I live. Thank you all for your podcast Chan, Fred, and RC...I think you have found your calling. I look forward to seeing you on the "small" screen. I learn so much with every podcast I have seen. I am truly a fan. Much success in all of your future endeavors. Thank you for this one.

[@605highsprings]

That was an unbelievable intro , thank you Ryan ! Mental health is so important because it leads to sincerity, truth and ultimately lasting happiness

[@kevincarter5616]

Keep doing this Brothers...

[@JT-fv6ih]

This show just won whatever awards they have for shows sheesh that intro 😢

[@3minesak]

This is grown folk talk. Keep doing what y'all are doing. I have been watching and a fan from episode 1 and before.👏🏽

[@floravb]

This episode brought me to tears. Very heartfelt and so meaningful to have this conversation. Thank you for such an amazing show and guests!

[@reginaldrobinson987]

Not all storms come into your life to disrupt, some come to clear a path for new growth.

[@mercedasutton231]

This episode is much needed. Mental Health is such a stigma in the Black Community. Taking care of your Mental Health is essential!! This was very informative and much LOVE to this podcast!!🙏🏾💪🏾❤️👑

[@gavingoldbaum4076]

Such a great dude! Met his parents at jets browns last season you can tell he was brought up the right way class act family. Glad he’s able to share his story and help others!

[@CashCoty94]

Damn that intro gave me goosebumps The greatest intro to a podcast episode I’ve ever heard Ryan Clark is a living legend in the podcast and sports world

[@LovethyNeighbour1011]

These episodes are what makes the pod special. They could have easily stuck to A list guests... but time and time again they shine light on the really important topics

[@jackieduncan5828]

This is the world's best and greatest Podcast!!! I have never missed an episode and some I've watched several times!!! Keep it going guys, you're doing some amazing work.❤🎉🎉

[@TGPI]

Whatever emotions you may be experiencing or going through... it's okay to open up and share it. Life is not about individuality, it's about togetherness. Share thoughts especially when you're feeling a little off and not quite yourself. It's okay to say I'm not okay! RC the intro was amazing and spot on! Solomon's sister's(Ella) statement will forever echo in my mind, "I'm running from sadness and I can't ever escape it"! The three questions Ryan was asked... You good? Are you okay? Do you need anything? You guys are awesome...much love and respect to all of you🙏🏾✌🏾❤️💪🏾🛡️

[@jmatos7872]

Ugh man!! 😭😭😭 this one here. Ryan! God bless you. Freddy T, Channing, and Solomon, I’m praying for your continual strength.

[@keenonhutchinson3757]

Man RC touched me with that lead off

[@jayAndyDaDon]

The opening intro was special 😢😢🎉

[@jamienickerson-jk6hc]

Man thank you guys the world is so cruel, your content helps me more than you'll ever known football is my life my dad showed me football and left 13 years ago been a hard time thankful for Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder.

[@robinsonsonic]

Fantastic episode from start to finish, and probably my favorite thus far. This episode shows exactly why it's okay to not be okay and to talk openly about how you're feeling and what you're dealing with, especially being a black man and knowing the stigma our community has had with talking about mental and emotional damage. That was a lesson I had to come to grips with over the last two years while my wife and I were grappling with our son being born with a terminal illness, all the way through losing him three weeks before his first birthday last year. I felt so weak when he left, and I'm so thankful for my family, friends, prayer, and therapy rallying around to help me get back to a place that I could function, and begin moving forward again. This episode is a testament to that growth. Great podcast, everyone! I'm grateful for powerful conversations like these.

[@staceysweat7187]

So sorry for your loss, keep pushing forward 🙏 ❤️

[@robinsonsonic]

@@staceysweat7187 thank you so much. We miss his little face every single day, but having him here and getting to spend 11 wonderful months together was better than never knowing him at all. Every day is a new day to move forward! ✌🏾❤️😁

[@chrisbirch7735]

Another gem of an episode!!!

[@Rossy890]

The first 15 minutes I can tel you this is not an episode you want, but is an absolute episode you need. Thank you Pivot🙌🏾

[@gogogogo7154]

Great episode. Really important to talk about.

[@lashun1901]

Send'n Faithful Friday Vibes Y'all Way♥︎★♥︎☆♥︎☆♥︎ (Pivot & Pivoters)

[@UncleNahshon]

That was one hell of an opening monologue. Definitely hit home.

[@davidpdorsey]

Damn! This was an amazing episode. Also a great intro by RC that I would suggest cutting up and turning into a short clip to easily share over social media. I would love for a part 2 with Solomon Thomas, this episode flew by and was over before I knew it! Great work to everyone that contributes to The Pivot!

[@DiamondEyez456]

The greatest thing you can do is validate someone's feelings and just be with them. Invalidating environments can really mess with someone's head when they really just need to be heard, not feel alone or just have someone by their side...sometimes no words need to be said, but a hand on one's shoulder or a hug. safe validating environments can safe lives.

[@broussi]

Man this introduction was everything.

[@ZOEAnimationStudio]

wow, man, this hit home in the bulls eye !

[@papadre70]

We are rewarded good times after difficult times

[@dohboy90]

Amazing pod. A lot of ppl needed this today. You guys always come thru. God bless y’all. Real talk.

[@sunnybryson4997]

I love it when y'all hug at the end of every episode ❤

[@mappsvilleboi]

Thank you all for being willing to discuss this on your platform. You have to ask the tough question. “Are you thinking of harming yourself?”

[@ClemMitchell-xs3jx]

Mr. Thomas I'm sorry to hear about your family lost but I'm also glad to see that you healed from it now you're able to speak something positive from that ordeal in my case I had to deal with a whole lot of negative gossip but I don't bear that burden on myself or retaliate I leave it in God's hands Grace and Peace my brother

[@willmick8558]

Be kind because we never know what's somebody going through.Speak life vs death into people

[@traviswilliams3189]

Yep, I'm crying too.

[@alcooper2874]

Thank you soo much for your platform… Because I’m NOT OKAY!!!

[@staceysweat7187]

Please talk to someone,

[@donnabass5052]

I want to thank pivot for this interview with Solomon Thomas. I’ve learned so much. It’s OK not to be all right. It’s OK to tell someone you’re not doing well. I can say as a Christian, my faith and trust in God keeps me sane.

[@isaiahlopez7112]

We can all do something to help one another. Great episode fellas, salute to Solomon and his family.

[@tommr8921.]

Love the forum! Very educational and inspirational

[@oxfordfreestyl]

Great stuff guys. I have my moments often from experiencing two lost pregnancies - that stuff doesn't just affect the moms. I don't have self harm thoughts or anything, but sometimes I just need zero human interaction, a cold beer and loud music in my ears. Look out for each other.

[@kimberlyjackson168]

Can I say that @ChanningCrowder silence speaks Volumes ...🗣️🗣️ This ppdcast just keeps getting better. Although I must give credit to @IAA podcast for spear heading the "Mental Health" topic. This is just a compliment to one another. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 BravoBlackMen❤❤❤

[@BabyfaceStuntz]

Once a Niner, Always a Niner. Much love brotha🤙

[@InsainNetwork]

How you got my eyes watering in the first few minutes Ryan?

[@travishayward126]

Great show guys thank you Solomon for being superman we all need saving .keep taking care of yourself

[@brandygates6583]

Congratulations on recognizing that you weren’t ok & getting the necessary help. Great episode

[@hectorrodriguez2839]

Great episode… y’all boys and the entire crew are doing a great job with the pivot podcast. I love it. These conversations are needed.

[@carmellabrown3335]

These conversations are so needed!!!

[@henryrobinson6958]

I appreciate you guys making mental health awareness something we need to know about and bringing it to the forefront thank you

[@carolmundley8130]

Powerful opening! Wow! Just when i thought the episode couldnt be any better, you surprise me! Thank you❤