49ers’ Thomas sees the light
Dark times enveloped defensive lineman in 2018
As a rookie, 49ers defensive lineman Solomon Thomas struggled to deal with the pressure that came with being the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NFL draft.
But that was nothing compared with the emotions that pierced him throughout his second season.
“There was anger,” Thomas said. “Depression. Sadness. Guilt. Grief.”
There were also therapy sessions. And, finally, around November — about 10 months after his lone sibling and his best friend, Ella, committed suicide — there was a sense that Thomas was emerging from a thick, paralyzing fog.
“It was like I was light on my feet,” Thomas said. “It was like I could finally walk and move again.”
On Tuesday, Thomas reasserted his desire to erase the stigma associated with mental-health issues. It’s not a topic often broached in NFL locker rooms, but Thomas remans intent on leading by example.
That became evident during a 10-minute interview session with reporters during which Thomas spoke openly about the angst that has come from being a perfectionist and the sorrow that has come from a tragedy.
Thomas, who has been reserved and soft-spoken with the media, said he feels mentally healthy. And he notably spoke with more confidence and authority when it came to his much-scrutinized career. He has had four sacks in 30 games, and it was reported in April that the 49ers were looking to trade him.
“I want to come here and want to show everyone why (the 49ers) drafted me No. 3 and be who I am,” Thomas said. “That’s not in my head, me being the third pick and all that anymore. That’s not part of my focus. It’s just going and showing people how good I am and why I’m here.”
General manager John Lynch said in April the 49ers wouldn’t trade Thomas. And Thomas said he spoke with Lynch in his office the day the trade report surfaced and was told the 49ers were excited that he’d perform in 2019 in an altered role.
The plan is for the 6foot-2, 280-pounder to play primarily inside after often being lined up as an edge rusher in his first two seasons. In addition, Thomas, who flourished along the interior at Stanford, indicated new defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has brought an attacking style.
“That is how I play,” Thomas said. “An undersized (defensive tackle), using my quickness and explosion. Being able to use that and just move and having the green light. That’s what I need. I don’t need to be reading and sitting back. I need to be going and be able to press guards, get on the edge and crush tight ends.”
This is not how Thomas typically has sounded in the NFL. And he said it’s not the soundtrack that was playing in his head as a rookie — or for most of his life. Thomas wanted to prove quickly that he was worthy of the No. 3 pick. A self-described “overthinker,” his confidence dipped when he experienced first-year struggles.
“I want to be perfect in everything I do,” Thomas said. “And if I’m not, I overthink. And I get in my head. That’s probably my biggest flaw.”
Last year, he lost the desire to be a perfect football player. His sister’s death made it difficult to summon the strength for workouts, practices and meetings, and even games couldn’t fully inspire his zeal for the sport.
Thomas began to rediscover some of the joy he found in football late in the season.
“I just love this game,” he said, “and I want to be the best I can . ... So it’s finding that out again. It’s not like I ever lost that, but a lot of things clouded that. And getting my mind clear again, I’m able to see that.”
Asked if he would have welcomed a trade and a potential fresh start, Thomas pointed to his strong relationships with Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, who have been a big part of the support he has received from the 49ers.
CEO Jed York, Lynch and Shanahan were among team officials and players who attended Ella’s funeral in Coppell, Texas, last year.
“He’s got his aura back to him,” Shanahan said Tuesday. “You can see it in his eyes, you can feel his energy a little bit better, and it definitely seems like he’s in a better place. We all know grieving can be as hard as it gets and takes people a long time, but you can see he’s doing better.”
Thomas said he wasn’t using his issues in his brief NFL career as an excuse for his underwhelming performance, but as an explanation. Therapy, support and time haven’t fully erased his grief — but his pain has lessened, and his hope has grown.
“Life may not get easier, but you find a way to adjust with it and keep moving and get better every day,” Thomas said. “That’s what I’ve been able to do.”