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Solomon Thomas

Co-Founder and Board Chair

Solomon Thomas has played in the NFL for six seasons as a Defensive Lineman and is Co-Founder and Board Chair of The Defensive Line.  Drafted as the # 3 overall player in the 2017 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, he played 4 seasons for the Niners including Super Bowl LIV. His defensive skills have taken him to the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets where he was their nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Off the field, Solomon has dedicated his life to sharing Ella’s story and has worked with a myriad of nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and secure funds for mental health and suicide prevention work. His courage to vulnerably share his experience through national media outlets like CNN, ESPN, The New York Times, and NFL Network have established him as a respected advocate in the field.

Most recently, Solomon participated in the announcement of the new 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline in a national campaign, served on a panel for Paramount+ Global, and continues to work with the NFL to improve mental health programming in the league.

Solomon has been an impactful keynote speaker and panel member at events for American Foundation Suicide Prevention Gala, Mental Health America, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, Kick the Stigma,Bring Change 2 Mind, and USC Annenberg Summit. He has also been the recipient of the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award with his parents Martha and Chris,

Solomon has a passion for working with young football players from middle schoolers to collegiate athletes. When not on the field – Solomon is known for his love Star Wars, great food, and his two pups!

Martha Thomas

Co-Founder and Chief Education Officer

Martha Thomas is the co-founder and Chief Education Officer of The Defensive Line, where she brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator to the fight against youth suicide. After leaving the classroom in 2022, Martha now leads the organization’s Suicide Prevention Workshops and D-LINES training, drawing on her deep understanding of the challenges teachers and students face every day.

Martha co-founded The Defensive Line to honor her daughter, Ella, and to bring a message of hope and help to other at-risk young people. She is a respected voice in the field of mental health, a popular podcast guest, an inspiring keynote speaker, and the true north of our organization. Her leadership has driven partnerships with Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Clark County SD, Baylor University, and Stanford University, and her speaking engagements include Mental Health America/GD, the Neuroscience Education Institute Congress, and United Healthcare Town Hall. She and her husband, Chris, serve as faculty for the American Academy of Pediatrics Echo Program and have appeared on NFL Network, ESPN, and CNN.

Martha’s impact has been recognized nationally, including the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award and most recently D CEO’s 2025 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Award. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and commitment to innocence of childhood, Martha continues to inspire audiences across the country with a message of hope, resilience, and turning pain into power.

 

 

 

Chris Thomas

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Chris has yet to meet a stranger. Chris Thomas is the co-founder of The Defensive Line and a nationally recognized advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. With more than 30 years in corporate leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, Alberto Culver, and other global brands, Chris built his career on connection, collaboration, and a relentless drive for excellence, earning honors such as Salesperson of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

A gifted college athlete, Chris has always had a passion for sports, which he shared with his children, Ella and Solomon, coaching and supporting their athletic journeys. Following the loss of Ella, he co-founded The Defensive Line with his wife, Martha, to bring hope, resources, and life-saving education to at-risk youth and their communities.

Chris serves on the Board of Directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is an AFSP Project 2025 board member, a Touched By Suicide board member, and a College of Wooster Ad Hoc Alumni Trustee. His work has been honored with the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award.

Known for his big laugh, approachable nature, and ability to connect with anyone he meets, Chris continues to inspire audiences across the country with a message of hope, resilience, and turning pain into power.