Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back best remembered for his pivotal role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, has passed away at the age of 77. A player known not only for his remarkable skills on the field but also his enigmatic personality, Thomas' legacy in the NFL is one of talent and complexity.
A Stellar Start and Unmatched Rookie Season
Duane Thomas burst onto the professional football scene with one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. As he embarked on the 1971 offseason, Thomas had already cemented his place in the league with an eye-catching performance that helped the Cowboys inch closer to their first Super Bowl appearance. His league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average that season set a franchise record that remained unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
The Pay Dispute and Silent Season
Despite his blistering start, Thomas' journey was not free from turbulence. Seeking a pay raise from the Cowboys ahead of the 1971 season, he found himself at odds with team management. The trade to New England, which was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, only added to the tension. Determined to make his point, Thomas chose to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season upon his return to Dallas.
Leading the Cowboys to Victory
Despite the off-field drama, Thomas continued to excel on the field. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season and was instrumental in the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title. As Dallas battled through the playoffs, Thomas scored three touchdowns across three games, demonstrating his value and resolve. His performance in Super Bowl VI included 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions, as the Cowboys triumphed over the Miami Dolphins 24-3.
A Career Marked by Highs and Lows
Thomas' career with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end when he was released before the 1972 season began. Choosing not to participate in the 1972 NFL season, Thomas later joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football. Reflecting on his legacy years later, Thomas stated: "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
Remembering Duane Thomas
Tributes from former teammates paint a picture of a player whose talent was undeniable. Roger Staubach remembered Thomas fondly: "Duane Thomas gave everything he had. He blocked hard, he ran hard, he played hard, and he was very smart. Duane rarely made a mistake." Similarly, Bob Lilly compared him to one of the game's greatest: "I just can't tell people enough how good he was. I just had visions of Jim Brown coming back to life. Duane, he had those same moves, the ones where you think you have him, and he wiggles out of it or he gives up a limp leg. He could really go off-tackle, about as good as I ever saw, and start needing his way through the linebackers and the secondary. Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
Thomas himself acknowledged his complex relationship with the team: "I didn't come in with an attitude of disruption. However, when I exposed my true personality, it was disruptive to other personalities on the team. But it was not disruptive to the performance of the team."
A Lasting Legacy
Duane Thomas' career was as storied as it was tumultuous. His ability to deliver under pressure and his contribution to the Cowboys' first Super Bowl win is indelible. Though his time in the NFL was relatively brief, his impact on the game and the legacy he left behind are remembered by fans and players alike. As the sports world bids farewell to a legend, Thomas’ life and career will continue to be celebrated and studied for years to come.