Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back celebrated for his pivotal role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas' journey through the NFL is marked by extraordinary achievements and an indelible impact on the game, both on and off the field.
A Star is Born
Duane Thomas entered the NFL with a bang, delivering one of the best rookie seasons in the league's storied history. His standout performance during the 1971 offseason set the stage for what was to become a remarkable, albeit tumultuous, career. With a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, Thomas helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, setting a franchise record that stood unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
Turmoil and Triumph
Despite his undeniable talent and contribution to the team, Thomas' journey was not without its challenges. Entering the 1971 season, he sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that the management rebuffed. This disagreement led to Thomas being traded to New England, a decision later vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Returning to Dallas, Thomas remained silent throughout the entire 1971 season, a stoic presence on the field.
His performance, however, spoke volumes. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that year, propelling the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His playoff prowess was instrumental, as he scored three touchdowns in three games during Dallas' successful postseason run, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI. In the game, Thomas had 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions, leading the Cowboys to a decisive 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The Aftermath
Despite his contributions, Thomas' tenure with the Cowboys was cut short. The team released him before the start of the 1972 season, and he did not participate in that year's NFL season. Later, Thomas joined the Washington team, where he spent two additional seasons before retiring from professional football.
Legacy Reflections
Over the years, both teammates and Thomas himself reflected on his impactful yet chaotic career. Roger Staubach, expressing deep admiration, said, "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 echoed similar sentiments, comparing Thomas' abilities to those of the legendary 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... He could really go off-tackle, about as good as I ever saw... Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
Thomas himself offered a unique perspective on his time in the league. "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 remarked. In reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl win, Thomas expressed a sense of enduring accomplishment. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he said.
Duane Thomas' story is a compelling reminder of the complexities of professional sports, where extraordinary talent and personal convictions often intersect. His legacy, underscored by his contributions to the Cowboys' first Super Bowl win, will long be remembered by fans and historians of the game.