"It was a very powerful weekend," Thomas told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area during the 49ers Insider Podcast. "You know, getting together with family and friends, going to walk in Dallas for my sister, and just everyone around us; people who suffer with depression themselves, or who are going through a hard time themselves, or people who have been affected by loved ones who have died by suicide. It was very powerful and very touching to feel all the love from everyone else there."
Thomas now wants to increase awareness of suicide prevention. The walk in Dallas further inspired him to work toward helping others who may be struggling with depression.
Maiocco pointed out that one way to help his platform is to have a good football career. It will allow his voice to be heard by more people. Thomas is well aware of that and is working hard to make sure he has a long career while playing at a high level.
"My sister always told me that she always could tell when I try to do too much, when I'm trying to put my effort in too much," Thomas said. "I'm really trying to put my effort in my career right now, and really advance that, and become the player I know I can be. I'm very confident in myself. I'm very confident I'll become the player that, you know, the reason I was drafted No. 3 in the draft. I feel like that's coming for me and I'm working my butt off for it, and I'm putting all my effort into that. That's my main focus in life right now. That and helping out others."
Thomas did not put up the statistics one would envision from the third-overall pick last season. There was a lot of pressure for him to make an immediate impact on the football field as a rookie. Did he feel that pressure?
"I did last year," Thomas said. "I tried to brush it by but sometimes my mind would just get a hold of it, and I'd be frantic out there. I wouldn't be myself and just thinking too much. I'm an overthinker, and that's what I do sometimes. I've kind of took a couple of breaths this year, calmed down, and started taking it bit by bit, step by step, and just go attack it. Just go out there and play ball."
Thomas, along with the Niner Faithful, is hoping the second-year player can have a breakout season in 2018.
"I've improved a lot by just being able to analyze the field and understand what's going on," Thomas said. "You know, down and distance, formation, where I'm at on the field, pre-snap reads, and just being able to start there like I was able to when I used to do that in college. That's been a huge help, just clearing up my mind."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Thomas below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Trade: Are Mack, Sweat, Thomas Jr. or Wilson Next?
John Lynch brought DeForest Buckner back to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick, adding a proven starter to a defensive line that needed help generating consistent pressure. With the November 10 trade deadline approaching, Lynch could still make another move, especially... -
Brandon Aiyuk's agent after 49ers meeting: 'To be continued'
It sounds like the saga between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk won't be resolved today, although that was never expected. The two sides met Friday, and Aiyuk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, offered a brief update before leaving the team's business offices in... -
49ers' Brant Boyer nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award
The NFL and USAA have announced the 2026 nominees for the Salute to Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting the military and veteran communities. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has been named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for this year's... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why Jauan Jennings trade fell through
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings had turned down an opportunity to return to the San Francisco 49ers via trade. However, Shanahan's explanation suggested the situation was less about Jennings rejecting...