Duane Thomas, the dynamic running back whose explosive talent and complex personality left an indelible mark on the NFL, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas was renowned for his key role in securing the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, and his legacy continues to resonate with football fans and players alike.
Thomas entered the 1971 offseason with one of the most outstanding rookie seasons in NFL history. His remarkable performance helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, averaging a league-best 5.3 yards per carry. This record remained unrivaled until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Despite his on-field success, Thomas's tenure with the Cowboys was not without its complications.
A Complicated Relationship
Thomas sought a pay raise entering the 1971 season, a request that was declined by team management. This disagreement led to his temporary trade to the New England Patriots, a move later vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the turbulence, Thomas remained with the Cowboys for the 1971 season, choosing to remain silent throughout the year.
During that season, Thomas's performance was nothing short of stellar. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and played a crucial role in securing the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title. His postseason contributions were equally significant, with three touchdowns across three playoff games, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI.
Super Bowl VI Heroics
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas rushed 95 yards on 19 carries and scored a 3-yard touchdown. Additionally, he contributed with three receptions, helping the Cowboys to a decisive 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. His efforts not only highlighted his versatility but also underscored his importance to the team's championship run.
End of an Era
Despite his on-field success, the Cowboys released Thomas before the commencement of the 1972 season. He did not participate in that season and later joined the Washington Football Team, where he played for two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his career nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl victory, Thomas acknowledged the unique and irreplaceable sense of accomplishment he felt from his playing days.
"It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he remarked, encapsulating the enduring impact of his football career.
A Legacy Remembered
Thomas's former teammates remember him fondly, not only for his football skills but also for his intelligence and work ethic. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach praised Thomas, stating, "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."
Defensive tackle Bob Lilly also shared his admiration for Thomas: "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."
Thomas himself provided a glimpse into his psyche and the controversies that surrounded him during his career. "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's career was a blend of brilliance and enigma. His on-field achievements, particularly during the Cowboys' first Super Bowl-winning season, remain a testament to his talent and tenacity. While his off-field challenges and complex persona added layers to his story, it is his contributions on the gridiron that will forever be cherished by the football community.