A Legacy of Grit and Giving:
Jesse Solomon Establishes 50K Endowment at NFC
MADISON, FL – Jesse Solomon has never forgotten where he came from. On Friday, April 11, the Madison County native, former NFL linebacker, and proud alumnus of North Florida College returned to campus—not with stories of football glory, but with a powerful gift for future generations: a $50,000 check to establish the Jesse W. Solomon Scholarship Endowment.
Held during a special luncheon at NFC, the event celebrated not just a donation, but the legacy of a man whose journey proves that determination, education, and heart can overcome even the toughest setbacks.
Solomon’s path wasn’t always easy. As a standout player at Madison County High School, his future in football seemed secure, until a false accusation during his senior year sidelined his dreams and cost him college recruitment offers. But instead of giving up, Jesse stayed home and enrolled at what was then North Florida Junior College. “This college was the foundation of my future success,” Solomon told the crowd, reflecting on how NFJC helped him find his footing again.
After excelling academically and at the encouragement of an NFJC instructor, Jesse transferred to Florida State University, where he walked on to the Seminoles football team. His grit and talent caught the eye of National Football League scouts, and in 1986, he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, suiting up for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins.
But through all the highs of professional sports, Jesse never lost his roots or his commitment to uplifting his community. Now back in Madison, Solomon continues to serve through education and youth-focused efforts. The newly established Jesse W. Solomon Scholarship Endowment ensures that students at North Florida College will have the chance to chase their own dreams, no matter their financial situation.
“Money should never stand in the way of a student’s dream to pursue higher education or a workforce certificate,” said NFC Foundation Director Traci McClung. “Thanks to Jesse’s generous gift, more students will now have access to the life-changing opportunities that North Florida College provides.”
Solomon’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and returning home with purpose. His legacy will live on, not just in stadiums and highlight reels, but in classrooms and the lives of future NFC students.
For more information about the Jesse W. Solomon Endowment or ways to support NFC, please contact the NFC Foundation at foundation@nfc.edu or 850-973-9414.
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(L-R) NFL Player Jesse Solomon and NFC Director of Resource Development Traci McClung hold check.
(L-R) NFC Foundation Board Chairman Hal Thomas, NFC student worker Caroline Wynn, NFL Player Jessie Solomon, NFC President John Grosskopf, NFC Director of Resource Development Traci McClung and NFC Coordinator of Scholarships Brienna Valentine hold check.