Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back known for his remarkable contributions to the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, has passed away at the age of 77.
A Star in Dallas
Thomas made an indelible mark on the Cowboys and the NFL during his time on the field. The 1971 offseason saw Thomas delivering one of the most outstanding rookie seasons in NFL history. His prowess was evident as he helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl with a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record that remained untouched until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
Despite his tremendous contributions, Thomas faced challenges off the field. He sought a pay raise from the Cowboys as the 1971 season approached, but the team management stood firm, leading to a tumultuous period that saw him traded to New England. However, the trade was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, and Thomas returned to Dallas, opting for silence through the entire 1971 season.
A Silent Force
Thomas' silence, however, did not translate to his performance on the field. That year, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, a testament to his enduring skill and determination. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Cowboys secure their sixth consecutive division title. In the playoffs, Thomas continued to shine, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including a significant performance in Super Bowl VI.
In that championship game, Thomas recorded 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions, playing an essential role in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
An Unconventional Path
Yet, Thomas' journey with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end before the 1972 season began when the team released him. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, and later joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl victory, Thomas expressed a sense of lasting accomplishment that remained unparalleled in his life. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he said.
A Lasting Legacy
Those who played alongside Thomas remember him not just for his on-field prowess, but for his unwavering dedication and intelligence. Roger Staubach, former Cowboys quarterback, once remarked, "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."
Bob Lilly, another Cowboys legend, drew comparisons between Thomas and one of the greatest running backs of all time, Jim Brown. "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," Lilly said.
Thomas himself acknowledged the unique and sometimes disruptive nature of his presence with the Cowboys. "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.
Duane Thomas leaves behind a legacy characterized by his exceptional talent, brief yet impactful NFL career, and the indelible mark he left on the Dallas Cowboys and the sport of football. His contributions on and off the field will be remembered and celebrated by fans, teammates, and the broader football community for years to come.