Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back known for his remarkable talent and enigmatic personality, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas was an essential figure in the early success of the Dallas Cowboys, playing a crucial role on their first Super Bowl championship team.
A Living Legend
Duane Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with one of the greatest rookie seasons in history. His exceptional skills helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, thanks to his league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average. This franchise record remained untouched until Dallas legend Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Roger Staubach, who played alongside Thomas, 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."
Triumphs and Trials
As Thomas entered the 1971 offseason, he sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a move that was met with resistance from the team management. The resulting disagreement led to a trade to New England, which was later vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Returning to Dallas under a veil of silence, Thomas let his performance do the talking. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season and was instrumental in the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title.
Bob Lilly, one of his teammates, looked back on Thomas' unparalleled abilities with admiration: "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... Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
The Path to Glory
Thomas' contribution during the playoffs was crucial, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including in Super Bowl VI. During the Super Bowl, he racked up 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, added a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions. The Cowboys triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a 24-3 victory, cementing their place in football history.
Despite his on-field successes, Thomas' relationship with the Cowboys soured, leading to his release before the 1972 season. He opted out of participating in that season but later joined Washington, where he played for two more seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on Legacy
Thomas rarely spoke about his time in the NFL, but when he did, his words often resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike. Reflecting on his career almost 35 years after securing a Super Bowl victory, he noted, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." Discussing the perception of his disruptive personality, he clarified, "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."
The legacy of Duane Thomas is a tapestry of incredible athletic prowess and complex individualism. His contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated, and his life serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between talent and tenacity required to reach the pinnacle of professional football. As the sports world mourns his passing, his memories and achievements will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players and fans alike.