Solomon Thomas 'blessed' to play with New York Jets 'Kobe Bryant'

Veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas had never played with a quarterback of such caliber until Aaron Rodgers joined the New York Jets last year.

Unfortunately, Rodgers didn't play more than four offensive snaps in 2023 due to a torn Achilles. Still, Thomas has had the chance to frequently observe the four-time NFL MVP operate in practice and locker room settings and it's different than anything he's seen as a pro player.

"I talk to my friends back home all the time, it's like playing with a MJ [Michael Jordan] or Kobe [Bryant]. It really is like one-of-a-kind. I feel blessed to be around him. I feel blessed to be a part of this team," said Thomas after training camp practice in Florham Park.

Thomas, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, spent his first four pro seasons on the San Francisco 49ers defensive front and went to the Super Bowl with Jimmy Garoppolo as the starting quarterback in 2019. Entering his third season as a Jet, Thomas detailed what makes Rodgers so special.

"He's the best in the game. I mean, the adjustments he makes at the line of scrimmage is crazy. What he sees, what he hears, what he notices, how aware he is. You haven't seen it," said Thomas.

As a team, New York has benefitted from the knowledge and experience that Rodgers brings to the table .

"Then, just to learn from him, it's motivating. You don't want to let someone like that down. It brings another level of excellence around you," said Thomas.

Like Thomas, Jets cornerback DJ Reed faces the challenge of going up against the Rodgers-led offense in practice. Thus far this training camp, the accomplished quarterback and WR1 Garrett Wilson have operated at a high level against Reed and Co.

"I'll just say 8 [Rodgers] and Garrett, they're definitely on a different zone right now. With what we're being asked to do, they're making it hard," said Reed.