NFL PLAYER SOLOMON THOMAS TO MAKE BROADWAY DEBUT IN ONE-NIGHT-ONLY CAMEO IN “MJ”
Press Contacts:
Rick Miramontez / Kendall Edwards / Marie Bshara / Bailey Everett
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE
NFL PLAYER
AND BROADWAY SUPER FAN
SOLOMON THOMAS
TO MAKE BROADWAY DEBUT
IN TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL
“MJ”
IN A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY SPECIAL CAMEO ROLE
ON FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
New York, NY (May 30, 2025) – Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain announced today that NFL player and Broadway superfan Solomon Thomas will join the Broadway cast of MJ in a one-night-only cameo role on Friday, June 13. Thomas played for the New York Jets for the past three years and signed to the Dallas Cowboys in March 2025. While playing for New York, he was an avid supporter of Broadway, especially of MJ, seeing the show 6 times – once bringing almost a dozen teammates which was then featured on an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” He has acted as a theater correspondent for CBS and even presented at last year’s Tony Awards.
“Solly has been such a great supporter and friend of Broadway and our show,” stated producer Lia Vollack. “We couldn’t think of a better way to thank him for his time in New York – giving him his Broadway debut!”
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my time in New York than by making my Broadway debut!!” stated Thomas. “I am so grateful to MJ for making this dream come true and for the support over the past few years. It’s truly an honor to be able to witness the greatness of these performers. I hope to see everyone at the Neil Simon Theatre on June 13!”
To download a photo of Solomon Thomas at MJ, click here.
Tickets are available at tickets.broadwaydirect.com and at the Neil Simon box office.
MJ now spans three continents between five global productions. Since beginning performances in December 2021, MJ has played to over 1.8 million patrons on Broadway, has broken the box office record at the Neil Simon Theatre 11 times. The Broadway production currently stars Elijah Rhea Johnson. The North American Tour has played to over 1.5 million patrons and is currently playing in Milwaukee, WI at the Bass Performance Hall, starring Jordan Markus. The Olivier Award-winning West End production is currently playing at London’s Prince Edward Theatre starring Jamaal Fields-Green, the German production is currently playing at Hamburg’s Stage Theater starring Benét Monteiro, and the Australian production is currently playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre starring Roman Banks.
BIOGRAPHY
Solomon Thomas is an eight-year NFL veteran entering his ninth season and a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. A defensive lineman known for his leadership and mentorship of young athletes, Solomon has played for the 49ers, Raiders, and Jets and as he now returns home to Texas to play for the Dallas Cowboys, proudly representing his hometown of Coppell on the biggest stage.
Off the field, Solomon is the Co-Founder and Board Chair of The Defensive Line (TDL)—a nonprofit he founded with his parents, Martha and Chris, following the tragic loss of his sister, Ella, to suicide in January 2018. TDL’s mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially among young people of color, by transforming how we communicate and connect around mental health.
Solomon has emerged as one of the NFL’s leading voices in mental health advocacy. He has shared his story and Ella’s legacy across major platforms including CNN, ESPN, The New York Times, and NFL Network. He played a prominent role in the national campaign for the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, served on a panel for Paramount+ Global, and continues to partner with the NFL to enhance mental health programming throughout the league.
A sought-after speaker and advocate, Solomon has delivered keynotes and joined panels for organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Mental Health America, Bring Change 2 Mind, Kick the Stigma, the NFLPA Super Bowl Players Summit, and the USC Annenberg Summit. In 2019, he and his parents were honored with the AFSP Lifesaver Award, and in 2023, Solomon was named the Heisman Trophy Trust Humanitarian Award recipient for his outstanding service and impact off the field in the mental health space.
Beyond football and advocacy, Solomon is an avid traveler and a baker who shares his love for Broadway, food, and the arts with his girlfriend Kaylie and their dog Blicky. A passionate theater fan, he’s attended numerous shows including MJ: The Musical, Shucked, & Juliet, Back to the Future, SIX, and Sweeney Todd. His enthusiasm for Broadway even led to organizing a VIP experience at MJ: The Musical for his Jets teammates, as seen on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
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