LOGAN, Utah – Utah State, Intermountain Health and The Defensive Line held a workshop and panel discussion Monday night to bring the message of suicide prevention to the athletics department.

The Defensive Line was founded by Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman for the New York Jets, along with his parents, Chris and Martha, who have been spreading the message of suicide prevention after Solomon's sister, Ella, died by suicide in 2018.

Thomas and has parents have dedicated their lives to sharing his sister's story and working to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming how members of society communicate and connect about mental health.

Third-year Utah State head football coach Blake Anderson, whose son, Cason, died by suicide in 2021, joined Thomas and his parents for the hour-long panel discussion Monday at the Eccles Conference Center.

Monday's message was part of "The Strongest Play Is Asking For Help," mental health series.

Utah State student-athletes Stephen Kotsanlee (football) and Djamilliah Paepke-Chile (women's track & field), along with Intermountain Health behavioral health experts were also part of the workshop and panel.

For more on Utah State Athletics, fans can follow the Aggies on Twitter (@usuathletics) or on Facebook by searching Utah State Athletics.

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