The passing of Freddie Solomon has many of the past stars for the San Francisco 49ers reminiscing about their teammate and friend. There isn't an unkind word said about one of the most beloved members of the 1980s teams.
"Freddie Solomon was a dear friend and a great teammate," said Hall of Famer Joe Montana. "There was no one who gave more on and off the field than Freddie. The kindness he demonstrated was inspirational to all that knew him, and a joy to be around. The warmth of his smile will be forever embedded in my mind and heart. Jennifer and I have been blessed to have him in our lives. We will miss you Freddie!"
Solomon's love and desire to help those in need was what separated him from others. Yes, he contributed mightily on the football field but that's not where it ended. His teammates recognized just how much more he meant to those on the outside than just those on the team.
"Freddie was a great player, but he was a better human being!," said Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. "His stand for helping the less fortunate and the voice he shared for making people do what is right and good was truly remarkable. This will always inspire me and others to achieve greatness for others and to be humble in our journey. God bless his family and his lovely wife."
Solomon's legacy will be carried on through the men he played with and the young men he nurtured through his community service. Knowing that Solomon's impact did not go unnoticed has to be comforting to his family and friends, and that's all a man can ask for.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Freddie Solomon [on Monday]," said Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. "...Freddie and I have been friends for 35 years, and he was one of the most gentle and best men I have ever met in my life. Scores of generations will remember Freddie through their children and the youth he's helped over all these decades. I have never met a man who cared so much about the human race, and there will never another Freddie."