Duane Thomas, a legendary NFL running back, passed away at the age of 77. Thomas will always be remembered for his significant contribution to the Dallas Cowboys, especially during their historic journey to their first Super Bowl championship.
A Pivotal Player
Thomas made an indelible mark on the NFL with a rookie season in 1971 that remains one of the best in the league's history. That offseason, Thomas's impressive performance helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl with a stellar average of 5.3 yards per carry, a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Roger Staubach, a long-time teammate, once 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."
The 1971 season saw Thomas seeking a well-deserved pay raise. However, negotiations with the Cowboys' management did not go in his favor, leading to heightened tensions and ultimately a trade to New England. This move was vetoed by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, keeping Thomas in Dallas.
Silent and Powerful
Returning to Dallas, Thomas opted for silence throughout the 1971 season, letting his on-field performance speak loudest. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that year, powering the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His post-season was equally remarkable, scoring three touchdowns in three games, culminating in Super Bowl VI.
In the Super Bowl, Thomas had 95 crucial rushing yards on 19 carries, including a memorable 3-yard touchdown run, complemented by three receptions. The Cowboys emphatically defeated the Miami Dolphins, 24-3, securing their first Super Bowl title. Reflecting on Thomas's playing style, Bob Lilly remarked, "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."
Transition and Reflection
Despite his outstanding performance, Thomas's tenure with the Cowboys was short-lived. Before the 1972 season began, the Cowboys released him. Thomas did not play in the 1972 season, later joining Washington where he played for two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Years after his retirement, Thomas reflected on his career and legacy. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he expressed, indicating the irreplaceable joy and fulfillment that his career brought him. Addressing the perception of his behavior, he noted, "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."
Duane Thomas’s legacy in the NFL is marked by his exceptional talent, complex personality, and pivotal role in the Cowboys' early success. His story remains a fascinating chapter in the history of professional football, remembered by fans and teammates alike.