After a six-year professional career in the NFL, Solomon Thomas is embarking on a special return to his roots, joining the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas is nothing short of passionate about the game of football. With a two-year deal for only $6 million just signed with the Cowboys, he reunites with his childhood team. This move is particularly noteworthy as Thomas reunites with his former Jets defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, who recently joined the Cowboys’ staff.
From the start, Thomas has provided a critical veteran presence for the Cowboys after playing eight seasons in the NFL. That same brilliance helped the San Francisco 49ers draft him as the No. 3 overall pick in 2017. Since then, he’s suited up for the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets. His career has seen him on teams that reached the playoffs as well as those that fell short of expectations. Under 30, Thomas comes upon his 30th birthday in December, and he’s ready to make an impact on the field and in the locker room.
“It worked out exactly how I wanted it, how I pictured it.” – Solomon Thomas
Having grown up in nearby Colleyville, Thomas played playoff games at AT&T Stadium in high school. Now, with his return to the Cowboys, it feels like a homecoming. Though he has a deep basketball pedigree as his dad is former NBA player and current Spurs executive J.R. He competed with the former Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode’s AAU club. This varied athletic background only serves to heighten his versatility and understanding of team dynamics.
“I believe I haven’t played my best football yet. I think that’s all in front of me,” – Solomon Thomas
Thomas wants to join a defense that already includes stars such as Micah Parsons and put the Cowboys over the top. His leadership will prove absolutely critical. It will lead Parsons to a more visible leadership role as he enters his fifth season. Thomas’s perspective and experience working in public policy will make the team stronger. As he further adds to the defensive line rotation, they hope to continue causing havoc on opposing offenses.
“So they want me to come in. They want me be a vet. They want me to be a leader. Show the guys around how we put in this attack-style front defense and show them how to do it. Show them how to lead by example, lead with effort, lead with doing things the right way.” – Solomon Thomas
Thomas’s reunion with Aaron Whitecotton was something he had been manifesting since learning about Whitecotton’s move to the Cowboys. The mutual respect and understanding between the two are expected to foster a productive environment for the team’s defensive line.
“He’s an extremely passionate coach. He loves this game more than anything.” – Solomon Thomas
Thomas has received accolades from far beyond Whitecotton. Relatedly, both Dante Fowler Jr. and Aaron Whitecotton have lauded his talent and the infectious attitude he brings to the field. In line with the Cowboys’ strategy, Thomas will be a key figure in a defensive culture focused on a high motor and all in mentality.
“He’s a guy who demands and expects greatness. Effort is everything to him. It doesn’t matter if you’re All-Pro or a guy coming off the bench, the standard is high effort, run to the ball, playing every play like it’s your last, loving the game of football. [He is] a coach that’s very hard on us, but his players respond well to him because he loves his players, and you get that same respect.” – Solomon Thomas
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