Freddie Solomon grew up in Sumter, SC where he first played for the all-black Lincoln High School. When integration occurred in 1970, Solomon went to Sumter High School and became the quarterback leading the team to a state championship. Hailed at the time as the greatest high school football player in state history, Solomon played four years at the University of Tampa.
He was chosen in the second round of the 1975 draft by the Miami Dolphins and played a total of 11 years in the NFL winning two Super Bowls (XVI, XIX) with San Francisco as a receiver. On “The Catch” that Dwight Clark made famous, Solomon was supposed to be the primary target, but he had slipped on the play. He finished with 371 receptions and 48 receiving touchdowns during his career. Solomon was widely considered one of the fastest players in the NFL during his career.
A great example of his speed and talent was on display in a game on December 5, 1976 when he was with the Dolphins. He had 5 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, a 59 yard rushing touchdown, and a 79 yard punt return for a touchdown. He sadly died of colon and liver cancer on February 13, 2012 at the age of 59.