Hall of Fame
Mike Solomon went from a walk-on quarterback to receiving the 1979 team MVP. He continued his career into the NFL as he was the first Griffon to sign a professional contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1981. He sat behind Bill Johnson as an underclassman until he finally earned the opportunity to shine when he threw for 27 touchdowns in the two years he was a starter, 18 of those coming in his senior season.
He led the Griffon offense to a 1979 Moila Shrine Bowl victory where his team scored 72-points. For his efforts Soloman received the bowl MVP award. He found success in the Northern California League where he led his team to the championship game in 1981. He signed with the Boston Breakers of the USFL in 1983 before giving up the game of football for the business world.
After a short semi-pro stint upon graduation, he returned back to Western for a spring to mentor the young quarterbacks before the Chiefs called him in 1981. He was also a supporter in the early days of the Griffons’ first alumni game and has since teamed up with former teammate, Andy Graham (1977-80), to increase Gold Coat Club membership.
Solomon currently serves at the East Coast General Manager of Fireworks Over America Corp in Columbia, S.C., where he resides with his wife, Susan. He has two children and is a proud grandparent of four.
