The Defensive Line

What The Defensive Line does

The Defensive Line is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in May 2021 by NFL defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and his parents Chris and Martha Thomas, following the 2018 suicide death of Solomon's sister Ella. Headquartered in Coppell, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex), the nonprofit addresses the public health crisis of youth suicide — particularly the disproportionate and rising rates among Black and Hispanic youth — by equipping adults who work with young people to recognize warning signs and intervene. Its core product is the D-LINES Suicide Prevention Training Workshop, a two-hour, trauma-informed curriculum combining clinical guidance with lived experience narratives, supported by a discussion framework for educators and a step-by-step Crisis Response Action Plan. Adjacent offerings include TDL Parent University, keynote speeches ("Turning Pain into Purpose"), panel discussions, Lunch & Learn sessions, the "Tell Me About It" digital storytelling campaign launched with NFL Total Wellness in September 2025, and Solomon's annual free Youth Football Camp for ages 9–17.

The organization operates an event-driven go-to-market model, delivering programs through direct partnerships with school districts (Dallas ISD, Clark County, Coppell, Fort Worth, Richardson ISDs), universities (Stanford, TCU, University of Virginia, Baylor), NFL teams (Cowboys, 49ers, Raiders, Jets), healthcare systems (Intermountain Healthcare, Hill Country MHDD Centers), and corporations. Over four years, the Thomas family has presented to more than 80 schools, companies, and organizations. Revenue is generated entirely through donations and corporate sponsorships — services are delivered free to end beneficiaries — with notable contribution mechanisms including Solomon Thomas's recurring $8,000-per-sack pledge and targeted corporate gifts (e.g., $25,000 from Solomon Thomas to Hill Country MHDD Centers for Kerr County flood relief, $10,000 from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians). The Clinton Global Initiative nominated The Defensive Line as a Commitment Action Partner with a five-year goal of reaching 3.2 million people through 2,000 newly trained facilitators, signaling a transition from founder-driven scale to institutional trainer-led scale.

Name

The Defensive Line

Legal name

The Defensive Line

Website

https://thedefensiveline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Defensive Line is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2021 that delivers trauma-informed suicide prevention training and mental health advocacy, primarily serving young people of color through direct partnerships with schools, universities, NFL teams, and corporations nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health Services and Suicide Prevention Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (61), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Crisis Response & Threat Assessment (Suicide Prevention, Violence Prevention) (EDAJAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Services (EDALAFAD), Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Prevention & Threat Assessment Programs (EDAKAMAI), Staff Training, Coaching & Professional Development (SEL/Mental Health) (EDAKAMAL)

Keywords

• Suicide prevention training
• Mental health education
• Youth mental health programs
• Trauma-informed training
• Community mental health advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Coppell

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The Defensive Line operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID: 85-0908917) and relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund its programs and operations.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support the organization through financial contributions, with notable examples including Solomon Thomas pledging $8,000 per sack to the organization during NFL seasons.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Defensive Line delivers trauma-informed suicide prevention training and mental health education programs for educators, coaches, parents, and community members working with young people of color. The core D-LINES Suicide Prevention Training Workshop is a two-hour curriculum that combines expert guidance with lived experiences of suicide loss to help adults recognize warning signs, intervene in crisis, and create safe environments for youth. Supporting programs include Parent University, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and lunch-and-learn sessions, plus the "Tell Me About It" digital storytelling campaign and Solomon's annual free Youth Football Camp.

Product overview

The Defensive Line is a nonprofit mental health organization offering suicide prevention programs primarily focused on young people of color. The core product is the D-LINES Suicide Prevention Training Workshop, a two-hour training program that equips educators, coaches, and mentors to recognize warning signs and intervene with young people in crisis. Supporting offerings include TDL Parent University (for parents), TDL Keynote Speeches, TDL Panel Discussions, TDL Lunch & Learn sessions, and TDL Conversations (coming soon). The organization also runs a digital storytelling campaign called 'Tell Me About It' in partnership with NFL Total Wellness, and operates Solomon's FREE Youth Football Camp as a youth outreach initiative. The organization connects people to crisis resources including text 'HUDDLE' to 741741 and the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• D-LINES Suicide Prevention Training Workshop A two-hour suicide prevention training workshop designed to help adults recognize symptoms of mental health crisis, understand the impact of suicide, and develop practical strategies for intervention and support. Incorporates both expert guidance and lived experiences. Aimed at educators, coaches, mentors, and other adults who work with young people.
• TDL Parent University A program where parents learn to recognize warning signs of mental health crisis in their children, have difficult conversations about mental health, and leave with an informed plan of action.
• TDL Keynote Speech: Turning Pain into Purpose A keynote presentation where Chris and Martha Thomas share their family's journey from tragedy through therapy, addiction, meditation, education, hope, and the birth of The Defensive Line. Delivered at schools, universities, conferences, and corporate events.
• TDL Panel Discussions Curated speaking experiences hosted by Chris Thomas featuring guest panelists or experts from the mental health and suicide prevention fields.
• TDL Lunch & Learn A quick overview of The Defensive Line's story with time for questions and answers following the presentation, designed for corporate and organizational settings.
• Tell Me About It Campaign A digital storytelling campaign launched in partnership with NFL Total Wellness, releasing trauma-informed mental health video series during Suicide Prevention Month. Features tips from team clinicians and athlete testimonials designed to equip caregivers in supporting youth mental health.
• Solomon's FREE Youth Football Camp An annual free youth football camp for ages 9-17 in Coppell, Texas focused on building confidence, connection, and mental wellness through hands-on athletic training combined with mental wellness messaging and mentorship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 49% increase in teacher's comfort level of identifying signs of mental health challenges
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• NFL Total WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025NFL league-wide initiative dedicated to supporting holistic well-being of current and former players and the broader NFL community. The Defensive Line and NFL Total Wellness launched the 'Tell Me About It' digital storytelling campaign during Suicide Prevention Month 2025, featuring trauma-informed mental health video series.
• Dallas CowboyscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL team co-hosted mental health event at Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy with The Defensive Line and Dallas ISD Mental Health Services, reaching over 500 students and staff.
• Dallas ISD Mental Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest school-based mental health program in the country and only one of its kind in Texas. Co-hosted World Mental Health Day event with The Defensive Line.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading national organization for suicide prevention. The Defensive Line develops workshops in partnership with AFSP and co-founders serve on AFSP boards including Board of Directors and Project 2025.
• Mental Health AmericamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health. Listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line's website.
• Mental Health CoalitionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition working to end mental health stigma. The Defensive Line partners with Mental Health Coalition for program development.
• Intermountain HealthcaremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system that has made suicide prevention a major community health goal. Partnership includes mental health integration programs and QPR training education.
• Clinton Global InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram within Clinton Foundation founded by former President Bill Clinton. Nominated The Defensive Line to be commitment action partner addressing mental health barriers; goal to reach 3.2 million people in five years through 2,000 new trainers.
• Faith Fight Finish Foundation (Dak Prescott)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation formed by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott following losses of his mother to colon cancer and brother to suicide. The Defensive Line partners with Faith Fight Finish for mental health programming.
• United HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor healthcare company listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Born This Way FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation started by Lady Gaga for youth mental health. Listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Work2BeWellmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization. The Defensive Line has conducted Facebook Live sessions with Work2BeWell featuring Dr. Robin Henderson.
• San Francisco 49ersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL team where co-founder Solomon Thomas played for four seasons including Super Bowl LIV. Listed as collaborator.
• Las Vegas RaidersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL team where co-founder Solomon Thomas played. Listed as collaborator. Organization was founded during his tenure with the team.
• New York JetsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL team where co-founder Solomon Thomas played for three seasons. Listed as collaborator.
• Dallas MavericksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNBA team listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Stanford UniversitymajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCo-founder Solomon Thomas's alma mater where he was a star defensive player. University receives mental health and suicide prevention training programs from The Defensive Line.
• Baylor UniversitymajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity receiving mental health and suicide prevention training programs from The Defensive Line.
• TCU (Texas Christian University)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity receiving mental health and suicide prevention training programs from The Defensive Line.
• University of VirginiamajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity receiving mental health and suicide prevention training programs from The Defensive Line.
• Grant Halliburton FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health foundation listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Hope Means NevadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization focused on Nevada. Received $10,000 donation from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians alongside The Defensive Line at Las Vegas mental health event.
• NAMI Southern NVmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Alliance on Mental Illness chapter in Southern Nevada. The Defensive Line has conducted pandemic and mental health discussions in BIPOC communities with NAMI Southern NV.
• ZapposminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline retailer listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Wynn ResortsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResort company listed as collaborator on The Defensive Line website.
• Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities CentersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic agency providing mental health services across 19 counties in Central Texas. Received $25,000 donation from Solomon Thomas for trauma-informed mental health services in flood-hit Kerr County.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• The Jed Foundation: Nonprofit focused on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among college students and young adults. Comparable to The Defensive Line on youth mental health training and curriculum delivery, though Jed is more concentrated on higher education rather than K-12.
• Hope for the Day: Nonprofit that uses music, art, and storytelling to promote mental health education and suicide prevention, particularly among young people. Comparable to The Defensive Line on mental health education programming, awareness campaigns, and youth-facing community engagement.
• Born This Way Foundation: Foundation co-founded by Lady Gaga focused on youth mental health, kindness, and stigma reduction. Listed as a collaborator on The Defensive Line's website and operates in the same youth mental health awareness and education space, making it a direct peer for donor and partner overlap.
• Sandy Hook Promise: National nonprofit that delivers school-based violence and suicide prevention training programs (e.g., 'Say Something') to educators and students. It is directly comparable to The Defensive Line on target audience (K-12 schools), delivery mechanism (adult-facing training workshops), and evidence-based curriculum.
• Faith Fight Finish Foundation: Foundation established by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after the suicide loss of his brother. A direct peer on athlete-founded mental health nonprofits operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, and an explicit collaborator with The Defensive Line on programming.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: The largest US nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, with national research, advocacy, and education programs. The Defensive Line develops its D-LINES workshops in partnership with AFSP, and co-founders Chris and Martha Thomas sit on the AFSP Board of Directors and Project 2025, making it the closest direct peer in mission and methodology.
• Erika's Lighthouse: Nonprofit providing school-based adolescent depression and suicide prevention programming for students, staff, and families. Closely comparable to The Defensive Line on K-12 audience, educator training, and depression/suicide awareness curriculum.

Broad incumbents

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): The largest US grassroots mental health organization, with affiliate network delivering education, support groups, and advocacy. A broad incumbent competing for the same donor and school district funding, though NAMI's scope is much wider than The Defensive Line's K-12/youth focus.
• Mental Health America: The nation's oldest community-based mental health nonprofit, operating nationwide with screening, advocacy, and education programs. A broad incumbent that overlaps with The Defensive Line on mental health education and stigma reduction but covers the full population rather than the youth-of-color focus.

Emerging players

• Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health services, including school-based programs. Comparable to The Defensive Line on suicide prevention training and youth audience, but operates primarily through direct clinical service delivery rather than a curriculum/trainer network model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/thedefensiveline
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCap5PeVjtxmOWOR1U_kVLXQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/thedefensiveline
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-defensive-line
• Instagraminstagram.com/thedefensiveline
• TikToktiktok.com/@thedefensiveline?

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Defensive Line