It’s been an emotional past couple of weeks for the Dallas Cowboys. The team returned to action in Week 11 with heavy hearts after Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away just days after the team’s Week 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys picked up a 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and the team has dedicated the victory to the late Kneeland.
One player in particular who has been quite vocal in the wake of Kneeland’s untimely passing is defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. As a result of his continued work in the community, which has reached a new level since Kneeland’s death, Thomas was awarded the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP Award.
Solomon Thomas Earns Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP Award
The death of Kneeland, which has been ruled a suicide, hits close to home for Thomas, as he also lost his sister, Ella, to suicide in 2018. In his first year with Dallas, Thomas has emerged as a veteran leader along the team’s defensive line, and that involved forming a close relationship with Kneeland.
In the wake of his passing, Thomas has stepped up his efforts when it comes to giving back to the community. Whether it be discussing the importance of mental health awareness, bringing his teammates together to work on charitable events, or even making a generous $10,000 donation to Dallas ISD Mental Health Services, Thomas has been making a major impact off the field as of late.
Many folks have been taking note of Thomas’ work, including the NFLPA. As a result of his continued work in the community, Thomas earned the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP Award, which has helped shine a light on what he has been doing off the field as of late. When speaking about the award, Thomas made it clear just how important he believes mental health awareness is.
“It’s so important to ask people how they’re doing. It’s so important to tell people the resources around them,” Thomas said in a press release after being announced as the winner of this prestigious award. “You never know what battle someone’s going through. It’s hard. It’s tragic. It’s such a young life that should be here. This is why mental health is so important.”
Solomon Thomas Continues to Shine with Latest Community Work
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 12: Solomon Thomas #90 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the NFL 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The passing of Kneeland has rocked Dallas, but Thomas’ ability to step up and help lead his team through the situation has been huge. For folks who want to help contribute to the causes Thomas is working towards, a GoFundMe has been set up that allows folks to provide donations to Dallas ISD Mental Health Services.
On the field, Thomas and the Cowboys will be looking to keep up their newfound positive momentum when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. This is a huge game for Dallas, as it will be very tough for the team to make a playoff push if it cannot come out on top in this contest. Kickoff for this highly anticipated contest is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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