Jesse William Solomon (born November 4, 1963) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. He played college football at Florida State University. Early years Solomon attended Madison High School but he didn't play football until his junior year when he started on the defensive line. He was not allowed to play in his senior season because of differences with the school administration. He also practiced track. He moved on to North Florida Junior College where he played intramural football for one season. In 1983, he walked on at Florida State University and spent a year with the scout team. As a junior, he became a backup linebacker and special teams player. As a senior, he blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown against Tulane University. He finished his college career with 99 tackles, one interception and 2 fumble recoveries. Professional career Minnesota Vikings Solomon was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the twelfth round (318th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft, after a private workout with scout Ralph Kohl and being rated high for his athletic abilities. As a rookie he led the team with 17 special teams tackles and was third on the team with 96 defensive tackles, despite missing 3 games due to an injury and starting only 4 others. One of his starts came at middle linebacker. In his second season, he became a full-time starter at left outside linebacker and led the team in tackles (126) when Chris Doleman was moved to defensive end. He also had 2 sacks, one interception, 3 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles. In 1988, he led the top-ranked Vikings defense with 121 tackles (95 solo), while also making 4 interceptions, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries and 2.5 sacks. He suffered a knee injury in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, forcing him to sit the playoffs. Against the New Orleans Saints, he had 10 tackles, one sack and returned an interception 78 yards for a touchdown. Against the Green Bay Packers, he had a career-high 17 tackles. On October 12, 1989, he was sent to the Dallas Cowboys as part of the Herschel Walker trade. At the time he started one game and had 8 tackles. Dallas Cowboys In 1989,