“Most valuable pit bull! Most valuable puppy!”
NFL Star Solomon Thomas Helps Shelter Dog Banksy Train for the Ultimate Draft: A Forever Home
Finding the right home for a dog can feel a lot like the NFL Draft—it’s all about getting picked. And who better to help make that dream come true than Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys and a former third-overall pick in the 2017 draft?
In a special episode of Dodo Dream Date, Solomon teamed up with Banksy, a lovable pit bull with big dreams of his own: getting drafted into a forever family.
“It’s draft season for football players,” Solomon said in the video. “A lot of guys are working to achieve their dreams. Right now, we’re trying to get Banksy drafted himself—into a forever home.”
The two met up in a Dallas backyard to run through some practice drills, just like Solomon would with his teammates. First up: a shuttle run, complete with hidden treats under the cones. Banksy crushed it in just over 31 seconds.
“Record time!” Solomon cheered.
Next came a game of football fetch, with Banksy catching four throws in two minutes.
“That’s not bad, Banksy!” Solomon said with a proud grin.
To cap off the workout, Solomon turned the tables and took on the final challenge himself. Armed with an oversized football, he aimed for a target that, if hit, would shower Banksy with treats.
“This may take a couple tries, but here we go,” Solomon said.
Spoiler: It didn’t take long. As the treats fell, Banksy rushed in, tail wagging, ready to reap the rewards. Along with the tasty prize, Banksy was awarded a medal naming him “MVP — Most Valuable Pit Bull.”
With drills complete, the two shared a yogurt bowl picnic in the sun. During their snack break, Solomon opened up about Mental Health Awareness Month, a cause close to his heart.
“As an athlete, mental health is very important to me,” Solomon said. “You deal with competition, failure, pressure. For me, positive self-talk, meditation, journaling, and therapy have been key.”
Solomon and his girlfriend even have a Frenchie who’s a service animal, offering love and support through life’s toughest moments.
And now Banksy is hoping to do the same for a family of his own.
With his big heart, bright spirit, and now some top-tier draft training under his collar, Solomon has no doubt: Banksy is ready to get picked.