Flying Solo: Jets' Lone Candidate at NFL Honors Show
Painfully, for the 55th consecutive year the New York Jets will not play in the Super Bowl. But, pridefully, the team will have representation at Thursday night's NFL Honors show from Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas.
For the second consecutive season defensive lineman Solomon Thomas is the team's nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the league's most prestigious off-field honor.
Otherwise, however, it will be a hollow night for a Jets organization that last played in the Super Bowl in 1969. This season they finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season. They had three players make the Pro Bowl, but have no nominees for the 2023 major awards or candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.
A year ago the Jets stole the show, boasting two rookie award winners in Sauce Gardner (Defensive) and Garrett Wilson (Offensive) and two players - Joe Klecko and Darrelle Revis - inducted to Canton.
The NFL Honors event begins with a red carpet show on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the revealing of the league's 2023 major awards on CBS at 9 p.m. The show will be hosted by actor Keegan-Michael Key. Award presenters include current and former NFL players such as Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, Tony Gonzalez, Damar Hamlin, Justin Jefferson, Cam Jordan, Ray Lewis, Micah Parsons and Deion Sanders. Other presenters include flag football star Diana Flores, and celebrities Alix Earle, Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae and Miles Teller.
As the co-founder of the nonprofit organization, The Defensive Line, Thomas not only invests financially in his passions but also actively dedicates his time, energy, and intellect to propel the organization towards success. His collaborative efforts with partners such as Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, and Vibrant Health for the 988 campaign showcase a commitment to impactful initiatives.
Thomas' generosity extends beyond partnerships, as seen in his discreet donations to various organizations, including a substantial contribution of $24,000 to two families affected by a tragic mass shooting in Texas. Hosting four consecutive Youth Football Camps for middle and high school athletes in his hometown, Thomas provides a unique opportunity for young players to learn from elite coaches and players. In the spirit of giving, Solomon donated $5,000 for Thanksgiving distributions through the Interfaith Food Pantry Network and Athletes Making Progress Together.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award by the New York Jets for the second consecutive year," said Thomas. "This recognition goes beyond football, reflecting the impact we can make off the field and impact others' lives with our platform. It's a privilege to be a part of this team and have a platform to positively impact others. Thank you to the Jets organization, the Tri-state community, my family, and my teammates for this incredible honor."
