NFL star Solomon Thomas thrills kids on visit to his old Mosman primary school

NFL star Solomon Thomas thrilled kids at his old primary school in Sydney this week when he popped in for a visit — and a round of high fives.

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THE excitement was at squealing pitch when NFL superstar Solomon Thomas surprised his old primary school in Sydney this week.

Thomas spent his early years at Middle Harbour Public in Mosman and wanted to reconnect with his past on a visit to the city.

The generous 49er took questions from the kids, gave everyone a high five and signed all the autographs he possibly could.

One little boy couldn’t believe his luck and proclaimed “I’m never washing these shoes again” after meeting the sports hero.

Solomon posing for a giant selfie with the kids. Picture: Virginia Young

Finding the next NFL superstar. Picture: Virginia Young

For Thomas it was a surreal experience. He attended the school for a short time, even picking up an Aussie accent during his tenure, and left after Year 1 to return to the US with his family. He lived in Australia for five years.

He has fond memories of his time at Middle Harbour and enjoyed the electrifying reception he got from the kids.

“Today was just crazy,” he said.

“This is so amazing. This brings back great memories.”

The little ones were thrilled to get a high five. Picture: Virginia Young

He met his old kindy teacher Justine Paris who still works at the school and was presented with a note he wrote for a time capsule back in 2001 when he was just five years old.

In what has turned out to be a complete turnaround of his dreams, he wrote at the time in bright orange crayon that when he grew up he wanted to be a painter.

Ms Paris remembers Thomas as a young boy and had no idea about his huge success in the NFL until this week.

She also brought along a mouse mat with a photo of Thomas and his kindy class on it that she recalls was presented as a gift. She still uses it every day as it has been sitting beside her computer for the last 16 years.

Thomas and his kindy class on the mouse mat.

Teacher and pupil reunited after 16 years.

“I taught Solomon in 2001 in kindergarten. He was like this gentle giant,” she recalled.

“He was the biggest boy in the class. He had such a lovely kind nature, he cared for others and he cared for the environment.

“He’s the first student I ever taught that’s famous. It’s lovely to see them go all the way.”

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