Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back renowned for his pivotal role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas' career, filled with stellar performances and contentious moments, left an indelible mark on the league and the Cowboys' franchise.
An Unparalleled Rookie Season
Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with what many consider one of the best rookie seasons in league history. Entering the 1971 offseason, he had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His ability to dominate on the field was a key factor in the Cowboys' journey to their inaugural Super Bowl. With a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, Thomas set a franchise record that would remain unmatched until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993.
A Contentious Relationship with Cowboys Management
Despite his on-field success, Thomas sought a pay raise entering the 1971 season—a request that the Cowboys' management was unwilling to meet. This dispute led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, a move that NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle subsequently vetoed. Thomas returned to Dallas, opting to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season. Amidst the silence, he let his gameplay do the talking, leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns that year.
Thomas' contributions were instrumental in helping the Cowboys achieve their sixth consecutive division title. During Dallas' playoff run, he scored three touchdowns across three games, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI.
A Super Bowl Performance for the Ages
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas showcased his versatility and resilience, amassing 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run, and adding three receptions. His efforts helped the Cowboys secure a resounding 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Despite his exceptional performance, Thomas' time with the Cowboys was short-lived, as the team released him before the 1972 season began.
Brief Stints and Retirement
Thomas did not participate in the 1972 NFL season. Later, he joined the Washington Redskins, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football. Even as retirement beckoned, Thomas' legacy remained a topic of conversation among teammates and fans alike.
Reflections on a Stellar Career
Years after his NFL days were behind him, Thomas reflected on his legacy and the lasting impact of his career. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he noted, highlighting the unique fulfillment that his time in the NFL brought him.
The admiration from his peers is a testament to his skill and determination on the field. Roger Staubach commented, "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." Such high praise from fellow players speaks volumes about Thomas' abilities and football intellect.
Bob Lilly further emphasized Thomas' unmatched talent: "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 the complex dynamics of his personality and its effect on 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," he reflected, alluding to his sometimes-contentious relationship with team management and some teammates.
Duane Thomas' passing marks the end of an era for those who witnessed his brilliance on the field. His legacy, characterized by his exceptional performances and his forthright personality, will continue to inspire future generations of NFL players. As the football world mourns his loss, it also celebrates the incredible contributions he made to the sport.