Raiders’ defensive tackle Solomon Thomas launches foundation to combat youth suicide

Solomon Thomas continues to be a shining light in the fight to prevent suicide.

On Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders helped their new defensive tackle announce the launching of the Defensive Line Foundation. The foundation was formed to fight the high rate of youth suicide, particularly for people of color. The foundation will focus on communication and connecting with young people about mental health, according to the story written on Raiders.com. It will offer health and wellness programs, education and family support through workshops and plans to partner with schools.

Thomas’ older sister, Ella Thomas, committed suicide in January 2018 shortly after the DT’s rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers ended. Thomas signed with the Raiders this offseason.

For more information on the Defensive Line Foundation, you can go to www.thedefensiveline.org.

Thomas is a part of a group of NFL players who are participating in the league’s Mental Health Awareness month initiative that runs through May 31. Thomas told his personal story and how he coped with anxiety and depression after his sister’s death in a video as part of the initiative.