Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back, has passed away at the age of 77. Remembered as a pivotal player on the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship team, Thomas delivered one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in NFL history as he entered the 1971 offseason.
A Key Player for the Cowboys
Thomas' extraordinary talent came to the fore as he helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, boasting a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average. This feat set a franchise record that remained unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Entering the 1971 season, Thomas sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, but team management did not yield to his request. The dispute led to Thomas being traded to New England, only for the move to be vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the ensuing strife, Thomas returned to Dallas and remained silent throughout the entire 1971 season.
Record-Setting Performance
In spite of the internal tensions, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, driving the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His stellar performance in the playoffs underscored his importance to the team. Thomas scored three touchdowns across three games, including a key touchdown in Super Bowl VI. His contributions in the Super Bowl were undeniable, racking up 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, sealing the victory with a 3-yard touchdown run, and making three receptions. The Cowboys decisively defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in that historic game.
Legacy Beyond the Field
Despite his achievements, Thomas' time with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end when he was released before the 1972 season began. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, but later joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after winning the Super Bowl, Thomas once remarked, "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." His words highlight the complex dynamic between his individual temperament and his undeniable skill and contribution to the team’s success. In another reflective moment, he said, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
Praise from Teammates
Thomas' former teammates have fondly remembered his profound impact on the team. Roger Staubach stated, "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 sentiments from teammates not only reflect Thomas' skill on the field but also his tenacity and intelligence in play.
Bob Lilly, another Cowboy legend, drew comparisons to another NFL great, saying, "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."
These accolades speak volumes about Thomas' natural talent and the indelible mark he left on the game of football. His contributions during his career, particularly during the Cowboys' first Super Bowl victory, cemented his legacy as a key figure in NFL history.
As the football world mourns his passing, Duane Thomas' legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of players. His journey through the NFL, marred by both conflict and triumph, stands as a testament to his resilience and exceptional talent.